The diagnosis and treatment of adolescent anxiety disorders

In adolescents, anxiety disorders may be manifested as juvenile anxiety syndromes, adult anxiety syndromes, or an adjustment disorder with anxious mood.In addition, depressive illnesses and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder often exist comorbidly with the primary anxiety disorder. The treatment of anxiety in adolescents should be multimodal, including psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions along with pharmacology. Tri-cyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors have been successful in most anxiety disorders, although both classes of drug are associated with significant adverse effects and require careful monitoring. Benzodiazepines are effective in juvenile anxiety disorders. Clonazepam's long duration of action and relatively benign side-effects profile make it an attractive agent in adolescent populations.