Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for the Treatment of Childhood Panic Disorder: A Pilot Study*

This preliminary study examines the effectiveness and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of panic disorder in children and adolescents. In a prospective open label study, 12 children and adolescents with panic disorder were treated with SSRIs, and if necessary, with benzodiazepines, for a period of 6–8 weeks and were followed for approximately 6 months. During the trial, clinician-based and self-report rating scales for anxiety and depression, functioning, and side effects, were administered. Using the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS) 75% of patients showed much to very much improvement with SSRIs without experiencing significant side effects. After controlling for changes in depressive symptoms, self-report and clinician-based anxiety scales also showed significant improvement. At the end of the trial, 67% of patients no longer fulfilled criteria for panic disorder and 4 patients remained with significant residual symptoms. In conclusion, SSRIs appear to be a safe and promising for the treatment of children and adolescents with panic disorder, however, randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of SSRIs and other interventions (e.g., cognitive therapy) for treating panic disorder in children and adolescents are warranted. It appears that until the SSRIs begin to exert their effects, a benzodiazepine adjunct treatment might be helpful for patients with severe panic disorder.