Podcast
Questions and Answers
Fear and worry are never part of normal development in children.
Fear and worry are never part of normal development in children.
False
Anxiety disorders are the least common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
Anxiety disorders are the least common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents.
False
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are less likely to have anxiety disorders.
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders are less likely to have anxiety disorders.
False
Behavioural symptoms such as irritability and angry outbursts are uncommon in children with anxiety disorders.
Behavioural symptoms such as irritability and angry outbursts are uncommon in children with anxiety disorders.
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Anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents tend to worsen with age.
Anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents tend to worsen with age.
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Chronic stress has no significant impact on brain development.
Chronic stress has no significant impact on brain development.
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According to NICE guidelines, pharmacological treatment is the primary treatment for social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents.
According to NICE guidelines, pharmacological treatment is the primary treatment for social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents.
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Untreated anxiety disorders in children and adolescents have no impact on adult life.
Untreated anxiety disorders in children and adolescents have no impact on adult life.
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AACAP guidelines recommend psychoeducation as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
AACAP guidelines recommend psychoeducation as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
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There are no guidelines for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents in the UK and the United States.
There are no guidelines for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents in the UK and the United States.
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Drug treatment is not endorsed for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with mild symptoms.
Drug treatment is not endorsed for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with mild symptoms.
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Asperger syndrome can present with symptoms that mimic anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
Asperger syndrome can present with symptoms that mimic anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
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Lead intoxication is a medical condition that can present with anxiety-like symptoms in children and adolescents.
Lead intoxication is a medical condition that can present with anxiety-like symptoms in children and adolescents.
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The Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) is a questionnaire used to measure functional impairment in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.
The Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) is a questionnaire used to measure functional impairment in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are not the medications of choice for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are not the medications of choice for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
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Informed consent is not required before prescribing medication for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
Informed consent is not required before prescribing medication for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
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Study Notes
Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Fear and worry are common in children and are part of normal development, but anxiety disorders can begin in childhood and adolescence.
- The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders in this age group is between 8% and 30%, depending on the impairment cut-offs used.
- Anxiety disorders may be even more common in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Clinical Presentation and Assessment
- In children, anxiety disorders may be masked by prominent behavioral symptoms, such as irritability and angry outbursts.
- Clinicians need to discriminate between normal worries and anxiety disorders that significantly impair a child's functioning.
- Developmental variations in symptom presentation must be considered.
Treatment and Prognosis
- Anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents often improve with age, possibly due to the development of the prefrontal cortex and executive function.
- Anxiety disorders are distressing and impairing conditions that need prompt treatment.
- Chronic stress mediators may impact brain development and functional impairment.
- Early and effective treatment may prevent continuity of psychopathology into adulthood.
Guidelines for Treatment
- NICE guidelines focus on the treatment of social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents, recommending cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and cautioning against routine pharmacological treatment.
- AACAP guidelines cover the treatment of all non-OCD, non-PTSD anxiety disorders, suggesting multimodal treatment including psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy.
Prescribing for Anxiety Disorders
- Before prescribing, exclude other diagnoses, including depression, bipolar disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, Asperger syndrome, and learning disabilities.
- Anxiety symptoms can be mimicked by various medical conditions, such as endocrine, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders.
- Be aware of contraindications to SSRIs and potential interactions.
- Measure baseline severity using structured interviews, questionnaires, and measures of functional impairment.
- Obtain consent and discuss treatment with the young person and their family.
Medications
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the medications of choice for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.
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Description
This quiz covers the diagnostic issues of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, including their prevalence and relation to neurodevelopment disorders.
