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Monday, July 06, 2009 TJ asks

Q: "Safest" meds for kids

Looking for the "safest" anti anxiety medication with the least amount of side affects for a child just starting a prescription program.  Current anxiety seems to exascerbate symptoms of ADHD, but thorough testing has been done and professionals feel that while child has a number of markers and symptoms that indicate ADHD, the true cause is anxiety that seems to heighten ADHD symptoms.  Make sense?

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Answers (1)
Eileen Bailey, Health Guide
7/ 7/09 9:07am

Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.

 

According to the Anxiety Disorder Association of America (ADAA), the SSRI type of antidepressants are those that are approved for treatment of anxiety in children. These include the medications Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Celexa and Lexapro.

 

As far as anxiety and ADHD symptoms, there are some overlapping symptoms, such as inability to concentrate. As anxiety increases, these symptoms can too. Often, doctors will choose to treat anxiety, depression or other mental illness before treating the ADHD as once this is under control it is easier to see which symptoms are remaining, what continues to cause problems. Then treatment can be tailored to the specific needs of the child.

 

Eileen

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By TJ— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 07/06/09