pediatrics
Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Treatment
Relaxation therapy Sometimes anxiolytic medications, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Because the focus of symptoms is diffuse, generalized anxiety disorder is especially challenging to treat with behavioral therapy. Relaxation training is often more appropriate. Patients who have severe generalized anxiety disorder or who do not respond to psychotherapeutic interventions may need anxiolytic medications. As with other anxiety disorders, SSRIs (see table Drugs for Long-Term Treatment of Anxiety and Related Disorders* ) are typically the drugs of choice. 