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Cognitive Behavioral Tx, SSRIs Benefit Anxiety
JAMA Pediatr; ePub 2017 Aug 31; Wang, et al
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective for the treatment of pediatric anxiety, according to review of the medical literature that compared various treatment options. Details of the review:
- Data from 7,719 patients in 115 studies were evaluated.
- A comparison of SSRIs to placebo pills found the antidepressants significantly reduced anxiety and increased remission.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) reduced clinician-reported anxiety as well.
- Benzodiazepines and tricyclics had no significant effects on anxiety.
- CBT significantly improved symptoms and remission, when compared to patients on a wait list or who received no treatment.
Citation:
Wang Z, Whiteside SP, Sim L, et al. comparative effectiveness and safety of cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy for childhood anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Published online ahead of print Aug 31, 2017]. JAMA Pediatr. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3036.