What Are the Treatments for Childhood Anxiety Disorder?

It is normal for children to be anxious or afraid, but when anxiety or worry interferes with your child's ability to make friends or perform well at school, he may be suffering from some type of childhood anxiety disorder. Although it can be difficult for you to accept that your child needs help for a mental illness, getting treatment for your child's anxiety disorder will help her lead a healthier, happier life.

Significance

• Approximately 13 out of every 100 children and adolescents aged nine to seventeen suffer from some type of anxiety disorder, reports the National Mental Health Information Center. Anxiety disorders affect girls more frequently than boys, and can occur at any age.

Function

• Usually, treatment for childhood anxiety disorder involves helping your child learn to deal with his symptoms. In some cases, medication is necessary to reduce the symptoms caused by her anxiety disorder, enabling her to focus on the therapy necessary for long term recover from the disorder.

Types of Medications

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically used to treat childhood anxiety disorders, and these drugs work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals that lessen the effects of anxiety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the SSRIs fluoxetine, sertaline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram and escitalopram for the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.

Features of Therapy

• Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective form of therapy for panic disorders because it allows your child to lean how to modify the way he thinks and feels in order to cope with the disorder long term. Learning relaxation techniques gives your child a way to calm herself when feelings of anxiety arise, reports the National Mental Health Information Center.

Locations

• Children often benefit when part of their therapy is held at school, suggests the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Your child can also receive therapy in the office of a psychologist or psychiatrist or at your home.

Considerations

• Children with anxiety disorder often benefit from family therapy, according to the National Mental Health Information Center. There are also parental training courses offered that can help you learn to assist your child in the treatment process.