Psychopharmacological Treatment of Anxiety in Preschool-Aged Children

This chapter provides an overview of the current evidence and guidelines for prescribing psychotropic medications to preschool-aged children with anxiety and related disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is recommended that psychopharmacological interventions are only used in severe, treatment-resistant cases, and following nonresponse to evidence-based psychosocial interventions. Based on the available research literature, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine and sertraline, appear to be the most commonly prescribed medications for preschool-aged children. Further, when prescribed, the provider should begin with a low dose and titrate upwards as necessary, and the provider should exercise caution, as little is known about the safety and long-term impact of psychotropic medications on neurodevelopment in preschool-aged children.