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Published on: September 12, 2014

Clonazepam in the treatment of prepubertal children with panic-like symptoms

J Biederman1

  • 1Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|October 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Clonazepam effectively treated severe anxiety disorders in three children, rapidly controlling panic-like symptoms without adverse effects. Follow-up showed sustained symptom remission, suggesting its therapeutic potential for pediatric anxiety.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe anxiety disorders and panic-like symptoms can be debilitating in prepubertal children.
  • Limited empirical data exists on the efficacy of specific pharmacological interventions for childhood anxiety disorders.

Observation:

  • Three prepubertal children with severe, incapacitating anxiety disorders and panic-like symptoms were identified.
  • These children were treated with clonazepam, with daily doses ranging from 0.5 to 3 mg.

Findings:

  • Clonazepam rapidly controlled anxiety and panic-like symptoms once a therapeutic dose was achieved.
  • No adverse effects were reported during the treatment period.
  • All three children remained symptom-free at follow-up periods ranging from 5 months to 3 years.

Implications:

  • These cases suggest a diagnostic and therapeutic overlap between childhood and adult anxiety disorders.
  • The findings highlight the need for empirical studies to evaluate diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for childhood anxiety disorders.
  • Clonazepam may be a viable treatment option for severe childhood anxiety disorders, warranting further investigation.

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