Generalized anxiety disorder in children and adolescents

Children and adolescents with GAD suffer from excessive, pervasive worries that interfere with social, academic, and family functioning. The comorbidity rate with other anxiety disorders and major depression is high. The course tends to be chronic, and evidence shows continuity between anxiety disorders in youth and adulthood. Individual and group CBT and the incorporation of family anxiety management training have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of childhood GAD. No double-blind, placebo-controlled, pharmacotherapy trials with adequate sample sizes for children and adolescents with GAD have been published. Preliminary data support the potential efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, buspirone, and high-potency benzodiazepines. Adequately powered, controlled, pharmacologic treatment trials are necessary. Future research should be directed toward comparing the relative efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and both in the treatment of GAD in youth.