Medications for Kids With Anxiety

Medication can be very helpful for kids with anxiety, but it can also be very confusing for parents. There are several different types of medication that can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, and they work in different ways. Some are taken every day; others are good for reducing anxiety in specific stressful situations. The names of medications can be confusing too: the most effective ones for most kids with anxiety are antidepressants called SSRIs.

This week on childmind.org we explore medications that are commonly prescribed for kids with anxiety — what the different types are, how they should be used, and side effects to look out for. We also look at how cognitive behavioral therapy works in kids — it’s the first choice for mild-to-moderate anxiety and recommended along with medication for severe anxiety. And we review things parents can do to help nervous kids calm themselves down.