The most common type of medication used for treating anxiety disorders in children and adolescents is a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They work by raising levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin. This enables brain chemicals to communicate better, helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

The two most common types are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), both of which work by increasing mood-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain. SSRIs that are commonly prescribed for anxiety in children and teenagers include: Zoloft (sertraline) Prozac (fluoxetine)

For a child who has severe symptoms of anxiety, or if they have not responded well to psychotherapy, medications may be used such as: Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is approved by the FDA to treat childhood anxiety disorders