What to consider when diagnosing and managing anxiety in kids

Article

Anxiety is common in childhood, but when it becomes a problem help is need. A presentation at the 2020 Virtual Conference on Pediatric Health Care offers guidance.

Anxiety is common during childhood and becomes a problem when it impairs a child’s life. A lecture presented at the 2020 Virtual Conference on Pediatric Health Care, Dawn Garzon Maaks, PhD, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, the immediate past president of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the associate professor at the University of Portland in the School of Nursing in Oregon, covered the treatment options for anxiety in pediatrics.

Treatment option that have been proven effective include mindfulness therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral modification. These therapies can help children be aware of early warning symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown to be effective. The presentation also discussed serotonin syndrome, which can occur when a child takes an SSRI and St. John’s wort at the same time.

For more on the presentation, check out our sister publication Contemporary Clinic.

Newsletter

Access practical, evidence-based guidance to support better care for our youngest patients. Join our email list for the latest clinical updates.

Recent Videos
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Diet, mental health, and pediatric nutrition, with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
Victor Carrion, MD
Supporting mental health in pediatric primary care with Victor Carrion, MD
Discussing social media and potential nutrition impacts with Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN
Jenna Marcovitz, MA explains how music therapy helps in pediatric care
Peter S. Jensen, MD
Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.