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Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
Recognizing, diagnosing, and treating pediatric generalized anxiety disorder
Marinela Panganiban1, Michelle Yeow, Kaitlyn Zugibe
1At the time this article was written, Marinela Panganiban, Michelle Yeow, and Kaitlyn Zugibe were students in the PA program at Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Ms. Panganiban now practices general surgery at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Ms. Yeow practices medicine at New York Presbyterian Queens, and Ms. Zugibe practices neurosurgery at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx. Sheryl L. Geisler is an adjunct faculty member in the PA program at Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in children is often missed by primary care providers. Early screening, assessment, and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term negative outcomes in youth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excessive worry impacting children's functioning.
- GAD is prevalent in children and frequently overlooked in primary care settings.
- Untreated GAD in youth increases risks for academic issues, substance abuse, and adult mental health problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review screening and assessment methods for GAD in children.
- To outline pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management strategies for pediatric GAD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of screening tools for GAD in pediatric populations.
- Synthesis of current evidence-based treatment guidelines for childhood anxiety disorders.
Main Results:
- Primary care providers often overlook GAD symptoms in children.
- Effective screening and assessment tools are available for pediatric GAD.
- A combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions is recommended for management.
Conclusions:
- Improved recognition and management of GAD in children are essential.
- Early intervention can mitigate the risk of adverse long-term outcomes.
- This review provides a framework for primary care providers to address pediatric GAD.
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