Treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders with Tricyclic Antidepressants

Children and adolescents suffering from anxiety disorders may require pharmacotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants are often prescribed in these instances. Unfortunately, most clinical research analyzing the effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants on anxiety disorders has focused exclusively on adult patients. This critical review examines those studies that have investigated the effects of tricyclic antidepressants on childhood and adolescent anxiety. Double-blind placebo-controlled trials have been conducted on patients suffering from school phobia, separation anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Case studies have highlighted the use of tricyclic antidepressants in panic disorder. To date, there have been mixed results. Attention is also given to the potential adverse effects of tricyclic antidepressants, including anticholinergic effects, as well as cases of sudden death in young patients.