Treatment options for childhood anxiety

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Health Team 9 psychologist Dr. Steve O'Brien reports about 500 children with anxiety disorders were studied over a period of five weeks. A variety of treatment options were studied.

Children were put in different groups:
Cognitive behavioral therapy plus an antidepressant
Just an antidepressant
Just cognitive behavioral therapy
Placebo only

He says the children receiving both psychotherapy and medication improved the most.

Anxiety problems can be the same in children as they are in adults. Dr. O'Brien says common disorders in children include: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and separation anxiety.

He suggests parents look at their child's daily and weekly functioning. He says if they're anxious to the point where the child is not functioning well on a regular basis, you'll want to talk with a doctor.

Dr. O'Brien says the child doesn't just outgrow an anxiety disorder, it can escalate and change forms.