Journal of Pediatric Medicine and Child Health

ABSTRACT

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions affecting children and adolescents worldwide. These disorders significantly impair academic performance, social functioning, emotional development, and overall quality of life. While psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, remains the first-line intervention for mild to moderate anxiety disorders, pharmacotherapy plays an essential role in moderate-to-severe cases and in patients who demonstrate insufficient response to psychological interventions alone. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently considered the primary pharmacological agents due to their favorable efficacy and safety profiles. Emerging research also explores serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, combination therapies, and personalized treatment strategies. This commentary discusses the current role of pharmacotherapy in pediatric anxiety disorders, highlights recent advances, and examines future directions in clinical management.

Keywords: Anxiety Disorders; Children; Adolescents; Pharmacotherapy; SSRIs; Pediatric Psychiatry; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mental Health