Child/Adolescent anxiety multimodal study: evaluating safety

State-of-the-art therapies for fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a full mutation (> 200 CGG repeats) in the FMR1 gene. FXS is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disabilities and the most commonly known genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder. Children with FXS experience behavioral and sleep problems, anxiety, inattention, learning difficulties, and speech and language delays. There are no approved medications for FXS; however, there are several interventions and treatments aimed at managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life of individuals with FXS. A combination of non-pharmacological therapies and pharmacotherapy is currently the most effective treatment for FXS. Currently, several targeted treatments, such as metformin, sertraline, and cannabidiol, can be used by clinicians to treat FXS. Gene therapy is rapidly developing and holds potential as a prospective treatment option. Soon its efficacy and safety in patients with FXS will be demonstrated. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Targeted treatment of fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the best current therapeutic approach. Gene therapy holds potential as a prospective treatment for FXS in the future.

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Escitalopram and Sertraline Side Effects With Pharmacokinetic Data in Children and Adolescents

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the first-line pharmacologic treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Many patients experience side effects that are difficult to predict, are associated with significant morbidity, and can lead to treatment discontinuation. Variation in SSRI pharmacokinetics could explain differences in treatment outcomes, but this is often overlooked as a contributing factor to SSRI tolerability. This study evaluated data from 288 escitalopram-treated and 255 sertraline-treated patients ≤ 18 years old to develop machine learning models to predict side effects using electronic health record data and Bayesian estimated pharmacokinetic parameters. Trained on a combined cohort of escitalopram- and sertraline-treated patients, a penalized logistic regression model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-0.88), with 0.69 sensitivity (95% CI: 0.54-0.86), and 0.82 specificity (95% CI: 0.72-0.87). Medication exposure, clearance, and time since the last dose increase were among the top features. Individual escitalopram and sertraline models yielded an AUROC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65-0.81) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.55-0.73), respectively. Post hoc analysis showed sertraline-treated patients with activation side effects had slower clearance (P = 0.01), which attenuated after accounting for age (P = 0.055). These findings raise the possibility that a machine learning approach leveraging pharmacokinetic data can predict escitalopram- and sertraline-related side effects. Clinicians may consider differences in medication pharmacokinetics, especially during dose titration and as opposed to relying on dose, when managing side effects. With further validation, application of this model to predict side effects may enhance SSRI precision dosing strategies in youth.

High Probability of Gene-Drug Interactions Associated with Medication Side Effects in Adolescent Depression: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Pharmacogenetic Testing

Introduction: Combinatorial pharmacogenetic testing panels are widely available in clinical practice and often separate medications into columns/bins associated with low, medium, or high probability of gene-drug interactions. The objective of the Adolescent Management of Depression (AMOD) study was to determine the clinical utility of combinatorial pharmacogenetic testing in a double-blind, randomized, controlled effectiveness study by comparing patients who had genetic testing results at time of medication initiation to those that did not have results until week 8. The objective of this post hoc analysis was to assess and report additional outcomes with respect to significant gene-drug interactions (i.e., a medication in the high probability gene-drug interaction bin as defined by a proprietary algorithm) compared with patients taking a medication with minimal to moderate gene-drug interactions (i.e., a medication from the low or medium probability gene-drug interaction bin, respectively). Methods: Adolescents 13-18 years (N = 170) with moderate to severe major depressive disorder received pharmacogenetic testing. Symptom improvement and side effects were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and 6 months. Patients were grouped into three categories based on whether the medication they were prescribed was associated with low, medium, or high risk for gene-drug interactions. Patients taking a medication from the low/medium gene-drug interaction bin were compared with patients taking a medication from the high gene-drug interaction bin. Results: Patients taking a medication from the high gene-drug interaction bin were more likely to endorse side effects compared with patients taking a medication in the low/medium gene-drug interaction bin at week 8 (p = 0.001) and 6 months (p < 0.0001). Depressive symptom severity scores did not differ significantly across the medication bins. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the utility of gene-drug interaction testing to guide medication decisions to minimize side effect burden rather than solely prioritizing the search for the most efficacious medication. (Clinical Trials Registration Identifier: NCT02286440).

Advances in Pharmacotherapy for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders

The evidence base for psychopharmacologic interventions in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders has significantly increased, and our understanding of the relative efficacy and tolerability of interventions has expanded contemporaneously. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line pharmacologic treatment for pediatric anxiety due to their robust efficacy although other agents may have efficacy. This review summarizes the data concerning the use of SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, atypical anxiolytics (eg, 5HT_1A agonists, alpha agonists), and benzodiazepines in pediatric anxiety disorder cases (ie, generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder). The extant data suggest that SSRIs and SNRIs are effective and well tolerated. SSRIs as monotherapy and SSRIs + cognitive behavioral therapy reduce symptoms in youth with anxiety disorders. However, randomized controlled trials do not suggest efficacy for benzodiazepines or the 5HT_1A agonist, buspirone, in pediatric anxiety disorder cases.

Depression in Chinese Patients with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Preliminary Study

(1) Objectives: To investigate the difference in prevalence of depression between patients with CL/P (cleft lip and/or palate) and analyze the possible demographic factors that affect the prevalence of depression in Chinese patients with CL/P. (2) Methods: Patients with CL (cleft lip only), CP (cleft palate), and CLP (cleft lip and palate) were included in the study group. Non-CL/P individuals were included in the control group. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen the depression of Chinese patients with CL/P. The different proportions of different depression groups between the CL/P group and the control groups were tested by the Fisher-Freeman-Halton test and Bonferroni correction. The scores between the study groups and the control group were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. In the study groups, demographic and clinical data of the patients, including diagnosis (CL, CP, CLP), gender, age, the only child or not, and region were collected to analyze whether they were the possible factors affecting depression through one-way independent-samples t-test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between monthly family income and depression. (3) Results: 111 and 80 valid questionnaires were collected from the study and control groups, respectively. The mean PHQ-9 score of the study group (5.459 ± 6.082) was relatively higher than the control group (4.362 ± 3.384), and the difference in proportions of depression groups was statistically significant between the CL/P group and the control group (p = 0.01), especially in the mild depression (p < 0.05) and moderately severe depression groups (p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in PHQ-9 scores were observed between the individuals of different genders (p = 0.036) and ages (p = 0.007) in patients with CL/P, the individuals who were the only child or not in patients with CL (p = 0.007), and the individuals of different ages in patients with CP (p = 0.016). (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of depression in Chinese patients with CL/P was different compared with those without CL/P, while gender, age, the only child or not, and region played significant roles in affecting depression psychology.

Comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioral treatment, serotonin, and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors for anxiety in children and adolescents: a network meta-analysis

AIM

Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered first-line treatments for childhood anxiety disorders (ADs). The objective of this current analysis was to conduct a network meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of CBT, pharmacotherapy, and the combination of the two in treating pediatric ADs.

METHODS

The studies included consisted of randomized controlled trials evaluating non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. clomipramine), SSRIs, selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, CBT, or a combination of CBT and pharmacotherapy. Studies were eligible for inclusion if participants were 18 years or younger.

RESULTS

A total of 86 studies were included, with a total of 7594 participants, of which 41.51% were females. For remission, all three treatments were significantly more effective than both placebo (ORs ranging from 0.07 and 0.18) and wait-list (ORs ranging from 0.06 and 0.16). In terms of the severity of anxiety symptoms, all treatment forms were significantly more effective for reducing anxiety than wait-list (standardized mean differences (SMDs) ranging from 0.98 and 2.91). Only pharmacotherapy was significantly more effective in reducing anxiety symptoms than placebo (SMD = 2.01, 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 3.01). Overall, the results demonstrate that CBT, pharmacotherapy, and their combination are effective treatments for childhood ADs. There was no significant difference between the three treatment forms. However, CBT was associated with lower attrition rates.

CONCLUSION

CBT, pharmacotherapy, and the combination of the two should all be considered to treat youths with ADs. However, potential risks and benefits should be considered before devising a treatment plan.

Efficacy and safety of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in comparison with various control contingencies (e.g. pill placebo and cognitive behavioral treatment) for pediatric anxiety disorders. Additionally, we wanted to investigate whether serious adverse events or adverse events are more common with medication treatment compared with pill placebo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies were selected if they were randomized controlled trials evaluating SSRIs or SNRIs. Eligible studies included participants aged 17 years or younger. Eleven studies were included, with 2122 participants. Primary outcomes were (1) remission, (2) a continuous scale such as the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children and (3) serious adverse events. We also calculated number needed to treat and number needed to harm.

RESULTS

SSRIs and SNRIs are an effective treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and are superior to pill placebo. While the risk of serious adverse events was low with SSRI/SNRI treatment, there was an increased risk of experiencing behavioral activation with SSRI/SNRI treatment.

CONCLUSION

SSRI and SNRI treatment is effective for childhood anxiety disorders, with positive effect of treatment outweighing the negative effects.

Adverse Effects of Antidepressant Medications and their Management in Children and Adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and, to a lesser extent, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the cornerstone of pharmacotherapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and depressive disorders. These medications alleviate symptoms and restore function for many youths; however, they are associated with a distinct adverse effect profile, and their tolerability may complicate treatment or lead to discontinuation. Yet, SSRI/SNRI tolerability has received limited attention in the pediatric literature.

METHODS

This review examines the early- (e.g., activation, gastrointestinal symptoms, sedation) and late-emerging (e.g., weight gain) adverse effects of SSRIs and some SNRIs in pediatric patients.

RESULTS

We provide a framework for discussing SSRI/SNRI tolerability with patients and their families and describe the pharmacologic basis, course, and predictors of adverse events in youth. Strategies to address specific tolerability concerns are presented. For selected adverse events, using posterior simulation of mean differences over time, we describe their course based on Physical Symptom Checklist measures in a prospective, randomized trial of anxious youth aged 7-17 years who were treated with sertraline (n = 139) or placebo (n = 76) for 12 weeks in the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS).

MAIN RESULTS

In CAMS, the relative severity/burden of total physical symptoms (p < 0.001), insomnia (p = 0.001), restlessness (p < 0.001), nausea (p = 0.002), abdominal pain (p < 0.001), and dry mouth (p = 0.024) decreased from baseline over 12 weeks of sertraline treatment, raising the possibility that these symptoms are transient. No significant changes were observed for sweating (p = 0.103), constipation (p = 0.241), or diarrhea (p = 0.489). Finally, we review the antidepressant withdrawal syndrome in children and adolescents and provide guidance for SSRI discontinuation, using pediatric pharmacokinetic models of escitalopram and sertraline-two of the most used SSRIs in youth.

CONCLUSION

SSRI/SNRIs are associated with both early-emerging (often transient) and late-emerging adverse effects in youth. Pharmacokinetically-informed appraoches may address some adverse effects and inform SSRI/SNRI discontinuation strategies.

Screening for Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

Importance

Anxiety in children and adolescents is associated with impaired functioning, educational underachievement, and future mental health conditions.

Objective

To review the evidence on screening for anxiety in children and adolescents to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and trial registries through July 19, 2021; references, experts, and surveillance through June 1, 2022.

Study Selection

English-language, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of screening; diagnostic test accuracy studies; RCTs of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or US Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy; RCTs, observational studies, and systematic reviews reporting harms.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Two reviewers assessed titles/abstracts, full-text articles, and study quality and extracted data; when at least 3 similar studies were available, meta-analyses were conducted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Test accuracy, symptoms, response, remission, loss of diagnosis, all-cause mortality, functioning, suicide-related symptoms or events, adverse events.

Results

Thirty-nine studies (N = 6065) were included. No study reported on the direct benefits or harms of screening on health outcomes. Ten studies (n = 3260) reported the sensitivity of screening instruments, ranging from 0.34 to 1.00, with specificity ranging from 0.47 to 0.99. Twenty-nine RCTs (n = 2805) reported on treatment: 22 on CBT, 6 on pharmacotherapy, and 1 on CBT, sertraline, and CBT plus sertraline. CBT was associated with gains on several pooled measures of symptom improvement (magnitude of change varied by outcome measure), response (pooled relative risk [RR], 1.89 [95% CI, 1.17 to 3.05]; n = 606; 6 studies), remission (RR, 2.68 [95% CI, 1.48 to 4.88]; n = 321; 4 studies), and loss of diagnosis (RR range, 3.02-3.09) when compared with usual care or wait-list controls. The evidence on functioning for CBT was mixed. Pharmacotherapy, when compared with placebo, was associated with gains on 2 pooled measures of symptom improvement-mean difference (Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale mean difference, -4.0 [95% CI, -5.5 to -2.5]; n = 726; 5 studies; and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale mean difference, -0.84 [95% CI, -1.13 to -0.55]; n = 550; 4 studies) and response (RR, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.58 to 2.98]; n = 370; 5 studies)-but was mixed on measures of functioning. Eleven RCTs (n = 1293) reported harms of anxiety treatments. Suicide-related harms were rare, and the differences were not statistically significantly different.

Conclusions and Relevance

Indirect evidence suggested that some screening instruments were reasonably accurate. CBT and pharmacotherapy were associated with benefits; no statistically significant association with harms was reported.

Pharmacogenetically Guided Escitalopram Treatment for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Trial

Current pharmacologic treatments for pediatric anxiety disorders (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)) frequently use "one size fits all" dosing strategies based on average responses in clinical trials. However, for some SSRIs, including escitalopram, variation in CYP2C19 activity produces substantial variation in medication exposure (i.e., blood medication concentrations). This raises an important question: would refining current SSRI dosing strategies based on CYP2C19 phenotypes increase response and reduce side effect burden? To answer this question, we designed a randomized, double-blind trial of adolescents 12-17 years of age with generalized, separation, and/or social anxiety disorders (N = 132). Patients are randomized (1:1) to standard escitalopram dosing or dosing based on validated CYP2C19 phenotypes for escitalopram metabolism. Using this approach, we will determine whether pharmacogenetically-guided treatment-compared to standard dosing-produces faster and greater reduction in anxiety symptoms (i.e., response) and improves tolerability (e.g., decreased risk of treatment-related activation and weight gain). Secondarily, we will examine pharmacodynamic variants associated with treatment outcomes, thus enhancing clinicians' ability to predict response and tolerability. Ultimately, developing a strategy to optimize dosing for individual patients could accelerate response while decreasing side effects-an immediate benefit to patients and their families. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04623099.

Specialty knowledge and competency standards for pharmacotherapy for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder

Evidence based treatments for pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are delivered with varying levels of expertise. This paper is part of the phase two series by the International OCD Accreditation Task Force (ATF) to advance a standardized high level of care globally. This paper presents specific knowledge and competencies recommended for specialized practice for pediatric psychopharmacologists working with OCD, developed by an international group of clinicians with extensive expertise in assessment and treatment of OCD. Tabulated knowledge and competency standards are operationalized as clinician abilities with specification of evidence for each standard. The distinction between current practice guidelines and ATF standards is discussed. Drug treatment has a solid evidence base. However, it should not be applied isolated, but informed by broad competence in general child and adolescent psychiatry and pediatrics. Other treatment relevant areas such as specialty CBT, family functioning, developmental issues, and neurobiology require consideration. Drug treatment includes several phases with varying degrees of evidence: Starting up medication, titration to maximum tolerated dose, maintenance, termination, and relapse prevention. In complex cases, pharmacotherapy with weak evidence may be needed to target symptoms and/or co-morbidity. The ATF knowledge and competency standards presented will be reviewed and updated commensurate with research.

Research Review: Pediatric anxiety disorders - what have we learnt in the last 10 years?

BACKGROUND

Anxiety disorders first emerge during the critical developmental periods of childhood and adolescence. This review synthesizes recent findings on the prevalence, risk factors, and course of the anxiety disorders; and their neurobiology and treatment.

METHODS

For this review, searches were conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, and clinicaltrials.gov. Findings related to the epidemiology, neurobiology, risk factors, and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders were then summarized.

FINDINGS

Anxiety disorders are high prevalence, and early-onset conditions associated with multiple risk factors including early inhibited temperament, environment stress, and structural and functional abnormalities in the prefrontal-amygdala circuitry as well as the default mode and salience networks. The anxiety disorders are effectively treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety disorders are high prevalence, early-onset conditions associated with a distinct neurobiological fingerprint, and are consistently responsive to treatment. Questions remain regarding who is at risk of developing anxiety disorders as well as the way in which neurobiology predicts treatment response.

Pharmacogenetics to Predict Adverse Events Associated With Antidepressants

OBJECTIVES

To determine the association between cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) metabolizer status and risk for escitalopram and citalopram, collectively termed (es)citalopram, and sertraline adverse events (AEs) in children.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we used deidentified electronic health records linked to DNA. The cohort included children ≤18 years with ≥2 days of (es)citalopram or ≥7 days of sertraline exposure. The primary outcome was AEs assessed by manual chart review. CYP2C19 was genotyped for functional variants (*2, *3, *4, *6, *8, and *17), and individuals were assigned metabolizer status. Association between AEs and metabolizer status was determined by using Cox regression adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, dose, and concomitant CYP2C19-inhibiting medications.

RESULTS

The cohort included 249 sertraline-exposed and 458 (es)citalopram-exposed children, with a median age of 14.2 years (interquartile range 11.2-16.2) and 13.4 years (interquartile range 10.1-15.9), respectively. Sertraline AEs were more common in normal metabolizers (NMs) compared to poor metabolizers (PMs) or intermediate metabolizers (IMs) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-3.2; P = .047) in unadjusted analysis and after adjustment (HR 1.9; CI 1.04-3.4; P = .04). For (es)citalopram, more AEs were observed in NMs than PMs and IMs without statistically significant differences (unadjusted HR 1.6; CI 0.95-2.6; P = .08; adjusted HR 1.6; CI 0.95-2.6; P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to adults, in our pediatric cohort, CYP2C19 NMs experienced increased sertraline AEs than PMs and IMs. (Es)citalopram AEs were not associated with CYP2C19 status in the primary analysis. The mechanism underlying this pediatric-specific finding is unknown but may be related to physiologic differences of adolescence. Further research is required to inform genotype-guided prescribing for these drugs in children.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Previous Cochrane Reviews have shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in treating childhood anxiety disorders. However, questions remain regarding the following: up-to-date evidence of the relative efficacy and acceptability of CBT compared to waiting lists/no treatment, treatment as usual, attention controls, and alternative treatments; benefits across a range of outcomes; longer-term effects; outcomes for different delivery formats; and amongst children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with intellectual impairments.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effect of CBT for childhood anxiety disorders, in comparison with waitlist/no treatment, treatment as usual (TAU), attention control, alternative treatment, and medication.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (all years to 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO (each to October 2019), international trial registries, and conducted grey literature searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials of CBT that involved direct contact with the child, parent, or both, and included non-CBT comparators (waitlist/no treatment, treatment as usual, attention control, alternative treatment, medication). Participants were younger than age 19, and met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder diagnosis. Primary outcomes were remission of primary anxiety diagnosis post-treatment, and acceptability (number of participants lost to post-treatment assessment), and secondary outcomes included remission of all anxiety diagnoses, reduction in anxiety symptoms, reduction in depressive symptoms, improvement in global functioning, adverse effects, and longer-term effects.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures as recommended by Cochrane. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 87 studies and 5964 participants in quantitative analyses. Compared with waitlist/no treatment, CBT probably increases post-treatment remission of primary anxiety diagnoses (CBT: 49.4%, waitlist/no treatment: 17.8%; OR 5.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.90 to 7.60; n = 2697, 39 studies, moderate quality); NNTB 3 (95% CI 2.25 to 3.57) and all anxiety diagnoses (OR 4.43, 95% CI 2.89 to 6.78; n = 2075, 28 studies, moderate quality). Low-quality evidence did not show a difference between CBT and TAU in post-treatment primary anxiety disorder remission (OR 3.19, 95% CI 0.90 to 11.29; n = 487, 8 studies), but did suggest CBT may increase remission from all anxiety disorders compared to TAU (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.16 to 6.46; n = 203, 5 studies). Compared with attention control, CBT may increase post-treatment remission of primary anxiety disorders (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.89; n = 822, 10 studies, low quality) and all anxiety disorders (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.22 to 6.17; n = 378, 5 studies, low quality). There was insufficient available data to compare CBT to alternative treatments on post-treatment remission of primary anxiety disorders, and low-quality evidence showed there may be little to no difference between these groups on post-treatment remission of all anxiety disorders (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.23; n = 401, 4 studies) Low-quality evidence did not show a difference for acceptability between CBT and waitlist/no treatment (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.41; n=3158, 45 studies), treatment as usual (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.56; n = 441, 8 studies), attention control (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.49; n = 797, 12 studies) and alternative treatment (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.61 to 4.13; n=515, 7 studies). No adverse effects were reported across all studies; however, in the small number of studies where any reference was made to adverse effects, it was not clear that these were systematically monitored. Results from the anxiety symptom outcomes, broader outcomes, longer-term outcomes and subgroup analyses are provided in the text. We did not find evidence of consistent differences in outcomes according to delivery formats (e.g. individual versus group; amount of therapist contact time) or amongst samples with and without ASD, and no studies included samples of children with intellectual impairments.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

CBT is probably more effective in the short-term than waiting lists/no treatment, and may be more effective than attention control. We found little to no evidence across outcomes that CBT is superior to usual care or alternative treatments, but our confidence in these findings are limited due to concerns about the amount and quality of available evidence, and we still know little about how best to efficiently improve outcomes.

Antidepressant Tolerability in Pediatric Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare adverse events (AEs), suicidality, and AE-related discontinuation in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of pediatric patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

METHOD

MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched for peer-reviewed, English-language articles from inception through March 1, 2019. We identified prospective, randomized SSRI and SNRI studies in patients <18 years of age with OCD or generalized, separation, or social anxiety disorders. AE rates were extracted and medication-placebo differences were examined using Bayesian hierarchical models, then posterior estimates of relative risk (RR) were determined for each AE by medication class and disorder.

RESULTS

Data were included from 18 trials (2,631 patients) and 7 medications (16 SSRI and 4 SNRI trials). Compared with placebo, SSRIs were associated with a greater likelihood of AE-related discontinuation (RR 3.59, credible interval [CrI] 0.019-0.067, p = .0003), activation (RR 2.39, CrI 0.048-0.125, p = .003), sedation (RR 1.94, CrI 0.035-0.157, p = .002), insomnia (RR 1.93, CrI 0.040-0.149, p = .001), abdominal pain (RR 1.53, CrI 0.032-0.164, p = .005), and headache (RR 1.24, CrI 0.003-0.139, p = .04). Activation was more common with SSRIs (versus SNRIs, RR 1.32, CrI 0.018-0.114, p = .007). Neither SSRIs nor SNRIs were associated with treatment-emergent suicidality.

CONCLUSION

In pediatric OCD and anxiety disorders, SSRIs (compared with placebo) are associated with distinct AEs and greater AE-related discontinuation, although their tolerability does not differ between anxiety disorders and OCD. Compared with SNRIs, SSRIs are more likely to produce activation. Class-related AEs are important for clinicians to consider, particularly in light of data suggesting differences in class-related efficacy. Whereas SSRIs are superior to SNRIs and the treatment of choice for anxiety, for youths who become activated on SSRIs, SNRIs might represent a good second choice given their reported efficacy and lower risk of activation.

The Effects of Youth Anxiety Treatment on School Impairment: Differential Outcomes Across CBT, Sertraline, and their Combination

Youth anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and are associated with considerable school impairment. Despite the identification of well-supported strategies for treating youth anxiety, research has yet to evaluate the differential effects of these treatments on anxiety-related school impairment. The present study leveraged data from the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study to examine differential treatment effects of CBT, sertraline, and their combination (COMB), relative to placebo (PBO), on anxiety-related school impairment among youth (N = 488). Latent growth modeling revealed that all three active treatments demonstrated superiority over PBO in reducing anxiety-related school impairment over time, with COMB showing the most robust effects. According to parent report, medication strategies may have stronger effects on anxiety-related school impairment among males than among females. Results were discrepant across parents and youth. Findings are discussed in terms of clinical implications for anxious youth and the need for continued research to examine treatment effects on anxiety-related school impairment.

Psychopharmacology in Pediatric Mixed Anxiety Disorder: An Evidence-based Review

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders among youth, with prevalence rates ranging from 25 to 32 percent. These disorders are under-recognized and often undertreated in this population. Anxiety disorders in youth exhibit a chronic and persistent course of symptoms with a higher risk of comorbidities, functional impairment, and worsening of severity. The early recognition and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are vital for better long-term outcomes. This article summarizes the evidence-based pharmacologic treatments for mixed anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder in children and adolescents based on case reports, case series, open-label trials, and randomized, controlled trials.

Pharmacogenetics of Sertraline Tolerability and Response in Pediatric Anxiety and Depressive Disorders

Objective: To determine whether genetic variants in a pharmacokinetic gene (the number of CYP2C19 reduced function alleles [RFAs]), and in pharmacodynamic genes (HTR2A, SLC6A4, and GRIK4) influence sertraline tolerability and response in a cohort of pediatric patients with anxiety and depressive disorders. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using the electronic medical record data of 352 patients <19 years of age being treated for anxiety and/or depressive disorders with sertraline and who underwent routine clinical CYP2C19 genotyping. Additional genotyping and analysis of variants in HTR2A, SLC6A4, and GRIK4 were conducted for 249 patients. Multivariate regression models testing for associations with CYP2C19 were adjusted for concomitant use of interacting medications. Combinatorial classification and regression tree (CART) analyses containing all pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic genes and clinical factors were performed. Results: The maximum sertraline dose during the initial titration period of sertraline was inversely associated with the number of CYP2C19 RFAs and sertraline dose at 60 (p = 0.025) and 90 days (p = 0.025). HTR2A rs6313 was associated with sertraline dose (p = 0.011) and time to the average maximum sertraline dose (p = 0.039). Regarding efficacy, the number of CYP2C19 RFAs was not associated with the sertraline dose at the time of response (p = 0.22), whereas for the pharmacodynamic genes, only HTR2A rs6313 was associated with response dose (p = 0.022). An association was observed between predicted expression levels of SLC6A4 and the duration on sertraline (p = 0.025). Combinatorial CART and multivariate regression analyses implicated that pharmacodynamic genes and clinical factors influence the maximum sertraline dose and response dose. The total number of side effects was not associated with any of the variants tested. Conclusion: Both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors, in addition to clinical and demographic components, influence sertraline dose, response, and tolerability, thereby necessitating further research to assess for the validity of these pharmacogenetic associations in children and adolescents.

Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review

INTRODUCTION

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often begins during adolescence or early adulthood and persists throughout the lifespan. Randomized controlled trials support the efficacy of selective serotonin and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs, respectively), as well as benzodiazepines, azapirones, anti-adrenergic medications, melatonin analogs, second-generation antipsychotics, kava, and lavender oil in GAD. However, psychopharmacologic treatment selection requires clinicians to consider multiple factors, including age, co-morbidity, and prior treatment. Areas covered: The authors review the literature concerning pharmacotherapy for pediatric and adult patients with GAD with specific commentary on the efficacy and tolerability of selected agents in these age groups. The authors describe an algorithmic approach to the pediatric and adult patient with GAD and highlight considerations for the use of selected medications in these patients. Expert opinion: In adults with GAD, SSRIs and SNRIs represent the first-line psychopharmacologic treatment while second-line pharmacotherapies include buspirone, benzodiazepines, SGAs, and pregabalin. In pediatric patients with GAD, SSRIs should be considered the first line pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy enhances antidepressant response.

The Link Between Anxiety Severity and Irritability Among Anxious Youth: Evaluating the Mediating Role of Sleep Problems

Although recent studies have linked pediatric anxiety to irritability, research has yet to examine the mechanisms through which youth anxiety may be associated with irritability. Importantly, sleep related problems (SRPs) have been associated with both child anxiety and irritability, but research has not considered whether the link between youth anxiety and irritability may be accounted for by SRPs. The present study investigated whether SRPs mediated the relationship between anxiety severity and irritability in a large sample of treatment-seeking anxious youth (N = 435; ages 7-19 years, M = 12.7; 55.1% female). Anxiety severity, SRPs and irritability showed significant pairwise associations, and the indirect effect of youth anxiety severity on irritability, via SRPs, was positive and significant. The present analysis is the first to examine youth anxiety, irritability, and SPRs in a single model in a sample of anxious youth, and provides preliminary evidence that SRPs partially mediate links between child anxiety and irritability.

Examining Parental Medication Adherence as a Predictor of Child Medication Adherence in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders

BACKGROUND

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the recommended first-line pharmacotherapy for pediatric anxiety disorders but adherence remains difficult to predict.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate SSRI adherence in children with anxiety disorders and determine if prior parental medication adherence is predictive of child high SSRI adherence.

METHODS

We identified children (3-17 y) initiating SSRI treatment after an anxiety disorder diagnosis in a commercial claims database (2005-2014). We evaluated parent SSRI, statin, and antihypertensive adherence [6-mo proportion days covered (PDC), high adherence=PDC≥0.80] in the year before child SSRI initiation. We estimated risk differences (RD) of child high SSRI adherence (6-mo PDC) stratified by parent adherence and multivariable risk ratios using modified Poisson regression. We estimated change in c-statistic and risk reclassification when adding parent-level covariates with child-level covariates to predict child adherence.

RESULTS

In 70,979 children with an anxiety disorder (59%=female, 14=median age), the mean 6-month SSRI PDC was 0.72, with variation by anxiety disorder. Overall 64% of children had high adherence if their parent had high SSRI adherence versus 53% of children with parents with low SSRI adherence (RD, 12%; multivariable risk ratios, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.20). Findings were similar for parent statin (RD=10%) and antihypertensive adherence (RD=8%) and when stratified by child age and parent sex. There was minor improvement in risk reclassification and the c-statistic after adding parent adherence and parent-level covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental medication adherence could help providers identify children at risk of nonadherence to inform the treatment decision, reduce unnecessary medication switches, and lead to broader effective interventions.

The Impact of Antidepressant Dose and Class on Treatment Response in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the trajectory and magnitude of antidepressant response as well as the effect of antidepressant class and dose on symptomatic improvement in pediatric anxiety disorders.

METHOD

Weekly symptom severity data were extracted from randomized, parallel group, placebo-controlled trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in pediatric anxiety disorders. Treatment response was modeled for the standardized change in continuous measures of anxiety using Bayesian updating. Posterior distributions for each study served as informative conjugate prior to distributions update subsequent study posteriors. Change in symptom severity was evaluated as a function of time, class and, for SSRIs, standardized dose.

RESULTS

Data from 9 trials (SSRIs: n = 5; SNRIs, n = 4) evaluating 7 medications in 1,673 youth were included. In the logarithmic model of treatment response, statistically, but not clinically, significant treatment effects emerged within 2 weeks of beginning treatment (standardized medication-placebo difference = -0.054, credible interval [CI] = -0.076 to -0.032, p = .005, approximate Cohen's d ≤ 0.2) and by week 6, clinically significant differences emerged (standardized medication-placebo difference = -0.120, CI = -0.142 to -0.097, p = .001, approximate Cohen's d = 0.44). Compared to SNRIs, SSRIs resulted in significantly greater improvement by the second week of treatment (p = .0268), and this advantage remained statistically significant through week 12 (all p values <.03). Improvement occurred earlier with high-dose SSRI treatment (week 2, p = .002) compared to low-dose treatment (week 10, p = .025), but SSRI dose did not have an impact on overall response trajectory (p > .18 for weeks 1-12).

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients with generalized, separation, and/or social anxiety disorders, antidepressant-related improvement occurred early in the course of treatment, and SSRIs were associated with more rapid and greater improvement compared to SNRIs.

Do clinically anxious children cluster according to their expression of factors that maintain child anxiety?

BACKGROUND

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for childhood anxiety disorders, yet a significant proportion of children do not benefit from it. CBT for child anxiety disorders typically includes a range of strategies that may not all be applicable for all affected children. This study explored whether there are distinct subgroups of children with anxiety disorders who are characterized by their responses to measures of the key mechanisms that are targeted in CBT (i.e. interpretation bias, perceived control, avoidance, physiological arousal, and social communication).

METHODS

379 clinically anxious children (7-12 years) provided indices of threat interpretation, perceived control, expected negative emotions and avoidance and measures of heart rate recovery following a speech task. Parents also reported on their children's social communication difficulties using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).

RESULTS

Latent profile analysis identified three groups, reflecting (i) 'Typically anxious' (the majority of the sample and more likely to have Generalized anxiety disorder); (ii) 'social difficulties' (characterized by high SCQ and more likely to have social anxiety disorder and be male); (iii) 'Avoidant' (characterized by low threat interpretation but high avoidance and low perceived control).

LIMITATIONS

Some measures may have been influenced by confounding variables (e.g. physical variability in heart rate recovery). Sample characteristics of the group may limit the generalizability of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically anxious children appear to fall in to subgroups that might benefit from more targeted treatments that focus on specific maintenance factors. Treatment studies are now required to establish whether this approach would lead to more effective and efficient treatments.

Monotherapy Insufficient in Severe Anxiety? Predictors and Moderators in the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study

This secondary analysis of the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS) used baseline patient characteristics to identify prognostic subgroups of children based on likelihood of remission. We also investigated predictors and moderators of outcome. CAMS randomized 488 youths with generalized, social, and separation anxiety disorders to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sertraline, both, or pill placebo. Outcomes were Week 12 child, parent, and independent evaluator (IE) ratings of child anxiety. We used receiver operating characteristics analysis and stepwise regression to identify predictors and moderators of outcome. Severe anxiety, lower socioeconomic status, and comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder predicted higher IE-rated anxiety posttreatment; child-rated social anxiety predicted poorer outcomes reported by all informants. Regarding moderators, Hispanic ethnicity predicted higher IE-rated anxiety after CBT and higher parent-rated anxiety after sertraline. In youths with severe anxiety (Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale ≥ 20, <italic>n</italic> = 220), combination treatment increased remission (relative risk [RR] = 2.85, <italic>p</italic> < .001), 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.51, 5.39], whereas CBT (RR = 1.55, <italic>p</italic> = .20), 95% CI [0.77, 3.10], and sertraline (RR = 1.27, <italic>p</italic> = .53), 95% CI [0.59, 2.73], did not significantly increase remission relative to placebo. These are the first findings demonstrating that a combination of CBT and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, not monotherapy, is likely key for achieving remission in severe anxiety. CAMS was not powered to detect treatment efficacy after stratification by anxiety severity, so further research is needed regarding effective treatments in severe anxiety. Our main effect findings suggest youth with severe anxiety (especially social phobia), low socioeconomic status and obsessive-compulsive disorder benefit less from current first-line treatments relative to other anxious youth. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00052078.

Update on Anxiety Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

Despite significant progress in understanding anxiety disorders in youth, affected children are often unrecognized and never receive adequate treatment recognition. Although common among children and adolescents, many parents and health care providers do not realize anxiety disorders in youth predict anxiety disorders in adulthood. The history of anxiety disorders in childhood and their continuity into adolescence and adulthood are discussed. Treatment options and best practices for psychiatric nurses are also explored. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54 (6), 25-28.].

Antidepressant-Induced Activation in Children and Adolescents: Risk, Recognition and Management

The tolerability of antidepressants is poorly characterized in children and adolescents with depressive and anxiety disorders. Among adverse events that affect the tolerability of antidepressants in youth is activation, a cluster of symptoms that represent a hyperarousal event characterized by impulsivity, restlessness, and/or insomnia. This cluster of symptoms was first identified as a side effect of selective serotonin and selective serotonin norepinephrine inhibitors (SSRIs and SSNRIs) in the early 1990s; however, activation remains poorly characterized in terms of prevalence, risk factors, and pathophysiology. This article describes the pathophysiology of antidepressant-related activation, predictors of activation and its clinical management in youth with depressive and anxiety disorders who are treated with antidepressant medications.

Eliciting adverse effects data from participants in clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Analysis of drug safety in clinical trials involves assessing adverse events (AEs) individually or by aggregate statistical synthesis to provide evidence of likely adverse drug reactions (ADR). While some AEs may be ascertained from physical examinations or tests, there is great reliance on reports from participants to detect subjective symptoms, where he/she is often the only source of information. There is no consensus on how these reports should be elicited, although it is known that questioning methods influence the extent and nature of data detected. This leaves room for measurement error and undermines comparisons between studies and pooled analyses. This review investigated comparisons of methods used in trials to elicit participant-reported AEs. This should contribute to knowledge about the methodological challenges and possible solutions for achieving better, or more consistent, AE ascertainment in trials.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the research that has compared methods used within clinical drug trials (or methods that would be specific for such trials) to elicit information about AEs defined in the protocol or in the planning for the trial.

SEARCH METHODS

Databases (searched to March 2015 unless indicated otherwise) included: Embase; MEDLINE; MEDLINE in Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations; Cochrane Methodology Register (July 2012); Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (February 2015); Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (January 2015); Health Technology Assessment database (January 2015); CINAHL; CAB Abstracts; BIOSIS (July 2013); Science Citation Index; Social Science Citation Index; Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science. The search used thesaurus headings and synonyms for the following concepts: (A): Adverse events AND measurement; (B): Participants AND elicitation (also other synonyms for extraction of information about adverse effects from people); (C): Participants AND checklists (also other synonyms as for B). Pragmatic ways were used to limit the results whilst trying to maintain sensitivity. There were no date or sample size restrictions but only reports published in English were included fully, because of resource constraints as regards translation.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Two types of studies were included: drug trials comparing two or more methods within- or between-participants to elicit participant-reported AEs, and research studies performed outside the context of a trial to compare methods which could be used in trials (evidenced by reference to such applicability). Primary outcome data included AEs elicited from participants taking part in any such clinical trial. We included any participant-reported data relevant for an assessment of drug-related harm, using the original authors' terminology (and definition, where available), with comment on whether the data were likely to be treatment-emergent AEs or not.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed for eligibility. Full texts of potentially eligible citations were independently reviewed for final eligibility. Relevant data were extracted and subjected to a 100% check. Disagreements were resolved by discussion, involving a third author. The risk of bias was independently assessed by two authors. The Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool was used for reports comparing outcomes between participants, while for within-participant comparisons, each study was critically evaluated in terms of potential impact of the design and conduct on findings using the framework of selection, performance, detection, attrition, reporting, and other biases. An attempt was made to contact authors to retrieve protocols or specific relevant missing information. Reports were not excluded on the basis of quality unless data for outcomes were impossible to compare (e.g. where denominators differed). A narrative synthesis was conducted because differences in study design and presentation meant that a quantitative meta-analysis was not possible.

MAIN RESULTS

The 33 eligible studies largely compared open questions with checklist-type questions or rating scales. Two included participant interviews. Despite different designs, populations and details of questioning methods, the narrative review showed that more specific questioning of participants led to more AEs detected compared to a more general enquiry. A subset of six studies suggested that more severe, bothersome, or otherwise clinically relevant AEs were reported when an initial open enquiry was used, while some less severe, bothersome, or clinically relevant AEs were only reported with a subsequent specific enquiry. However, two studies showed that quite severe or debilitating AEs were only detected by an interview, while other studies did not find a difference in the nature of AEs between elicitation methods. No conclusions could be made regarding the impact of question method on the ability to detect a statistically significant difference between study groups. There was no common statistical rubric, but we were able to represent some effect measures as a risk ratio of the proportion of participants with at least one AE. This showed a lower level of reporting for open questions (O) compared to checklists (CL), with a range for the risk ratios of 0.12 to 0.64.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review supports concerns that methods to elicit participant-reported AEs influence the detection of these data. There was a risk for under-detection of AEs in studies using a more general elicitation method compared to those using a comprehensive method. These AEs may be important from a clinical perspective or for patients. This under-detection could compromise ability to pool AE data. However, the impact on the nature of the AE detected by different methods is unclear. The wide variety and low quality of methods to compare elicitation strategies limited this review. Future studies would be improved by using and reporting clear definitions and terminology for AEs (and other important variables), frequency and time period over which they were ascertained, how they were graded, assessed for a relationship to the study drug, coded, and tabulated/reported. While the many potential AE endpoints in a trial may preclude the development of general AE patient-reported outcome measurement instruments, much could also be learnt from how these employ both quantitative and qualitative methods to better understand data elicited. Any chosen questioning method needs to be feasible for use by both staff and participants.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

Childhood anxiety is common. Multiple treatment options are available, but existing guidelines provide inconsistent advice on which treatment to use.

Objectives

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and adverse events of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy for childhood anxiety disorders.

Data Sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and SciVerse Scopus from database inception through February 1, 2017.

Study Selection

Randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies that enrolled children and adolescents with confirmed diagnoses of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, or separation anxiety and who received CBT, pharmacotherapy, or the combination.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Independent reviewers selected studies and extracted data. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary anxiety symptoms (measured by child, parent, or clinician), remission, response, and adverse events.

Results

A total of 7719 patients were included from 115 studies. Of these, 4290 (55.6%) were female, and the mean (range) age was 9.2 (5.4-16.1) years. Compared with pill placebo, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) significantly reduced primary anxiety symptoms and increased remission (relative risk, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.37-3.04) and response (relative risk, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.60-2.40). Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) significantly reduced clinician-reported primary anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines and tricyclics were not found to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. When CBT was compared with wait-listing/no treatment, CBT significantly improved primary anxiety symptoms, remission, and response. Cognitive behavioral therapy reduced primary anxiety symptoms more than fluoxetine and improved remission more than sertraline. The combination of sertraline and CBT significantly reduced clinician-reported primary anxiety symptoms and response more than either treatment alone. Head-to-head comparisons were sparse, and network meta-analysis estimates were imprecise. Adverse events were common with medications but not with CBT and were not severe. Studies were too small or too short to assess suicidality with SSRIs or SNRIs. One trial showed a statistically nonsignificant increase in suicidal ideation with venlafaxine. Cognitive behavioral therapy was associated with fewer dropouts than pill placebo or medications.

Conclusions and Relevance

Evidence supports the effectiveness of CBT and SSRIs for reducing childhood anxiety symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors also appear to be effective based on less consistent evidence. Head-to-head comparisons between various medications and comparisons with CBT represent a need for research in the field.

Placebo Response in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: Results from the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to identify predictors of pill placebo response and to characterize the temporal course of pill placebo response in anxious youth.

METHODS

Data from placebo-treated patients (N = 76) in the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS), a multisite, randomized controlled trial that examined the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy, sertraline, their combination, and placebo for the treatment of separation, generalized, and social anxiety disorders, were evaluated. Multiple linear regression models identified features associated with placebo response and models were confirmed with leave-one-out cross-validation. The likelihood of improvement in patients receiving pill placebo-over time-relative to improvement associated with active treatment was determined using probabilistic Bayesian analyses.

RESULTS

Based on a categorical definition of response (Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale score ≤2), nonresponders (n = 48), and pill placebo responders (n = 18) did not differ in age (p = 0.217), sex (p = 0.980), race (p = 0.743), or primary diagnosis (all ps > 0.659). In terms of change in anxiety symptoms, separation anxiety disorder and treatment expectation were associated with the degree of pill placebo response. Greater probability of placebo-related anxiety symptom improvement was observed early in the course of treatment (baseline to week 4, p < 0.0001). No significant change in the probability of placebo-related improvement was observed after week 4 (weeks 4-8, p = 0.07; weeks 8-12, p = 0.85), whereas the probability of improvement, in general, significantly increased week over week with active treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pill placebo-related improvement occurs early in the course of treatment and both clinical factors and expectation predict this improvement. Additionally, probabilistic approaches may refine our understanding and prediction of pill placebo response.

Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of brief guided parent-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused brief therapy for treatment of childhood anxiety disorders: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Half of all lifetime anxiety disorders emerge before age 12 years; however, access to evidence-based psychological therapies for affected children is poor. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of two brief psychological treatments for children with anxiety referred to routine child mental health settings. We hypothesised that brief guided parent-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) would be associated with better clinical outcomes than solution-focused brief therapy and would be cost-effective.

METHODS

We did this randomised controlled trial at four National Health Service primary child and mental health services in Oxfordshire, UK. Children aged 5-12 years referred for anxiety difficulties were randomly allocated (1:1), via a secure online minimisation tool, to receive brief guided parent-delivered CBT or solution-focused brief therapy, with minimisation for age, sex, anxiety severity, and level of parental anxiety. The allocation sequence was not accessible to the researcher enrolling participants or to study assessors. Research staff who obtained outcome measurements were masked to group allocation and clinical staff who delivered the intervention did not measure outcomes. The primary outcome was recovery, on the basis of Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I). Parents recorded patient-level resource use. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for use in cost-utility analysis were derived from the Child Health Utility 9D. Assessments were done at baseline (before randomisation), after treatment (primary endpoint), and 6 months after treatment completion. We did analysis by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the ISCRTN registry, number ISRCTN07627865.

FINDINGS

Between March 23, 2012, and March 31, 2014, we randomly assigned 136 patients to receive brief guided parent-delivered CBT (n=68) or solution-focused brief therapy (n=68). At the primary endpoint assessment (June, 2012, to September, 2014), 40 (59%) children in the brief guided parent-delivered CBT group versus 47 (69%) children in the solution-focused brief therapy group had an improvement of much or very much in CGI-I score, with no significant differences between groups in either clinical (CGI-I: relative risk 1·01, 95% CI 0·86-1·19; p=0·95) or economic (QALY: mean difference 0·006, -0·009 to 0·02; p=0·42) outcome measures. However, brief guided parent-delivered CBT was associated with lower costs (mean difference -£448; 95% CI -934 to 37; p=0·070) and, taking into account sampling uncertainty, was likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources compared with solution-focused brief therapy. No treatment-related or trial-related adverse events were reported in either group.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings show no evidence of clinical superiority of brief guided parent-delivered CBT. However, guided parent-delivered CBT is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to solution-focused brief therapy and might be considered as a first-line treatment for children with anxiety problems.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research.

Recent developments in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents

Anxiety disorders are among the most common emotional difficulties experienced by children and young people. They cause significant disturbance to the lives of young people and their families and present a risk for lifelong psychological disturbance. Effective psychological (ie, cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT)) and pharmacological interventions (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)) have been established. However, the risk of adverse effects and unknown long-term effects of using SSRIs has led to recommendations that CBT is delivered as a first-line intervention. Recent innovations have included the development of low-intensity CBT programmes, delivered briefly via parents or online. These hold promise to increase access to psychological therapies for children and young people with these common and severe difficulties.

Pharmacotherapy for Pediatric Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Evaluation of Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials consistently support the efficacy of antidepressants in treating youth with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), although integrated examinations of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of psychotropic medications in GAD, specifically, are rare. With this in mind, we sought to describe the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of psychopharmacologic interventions in pediatric patients with GAD.

METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trials of psychopharmacologic interventions in youth with GAD were identified through a PubMed/Medline (1966-2015) search. Both authors manually reviewed trials and, to evaluate comparative efficacy and tolerability across medications, numbers needed to treat (NNT) [based on Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS) remission criteria (PARS ≤8)] and number needed to harm (NNH) for selected treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were calculated. Finally, treatment-emergent suicidality and taper-emergent/post-study adverse events are reported descriptively.

RESULTS

Five trials that involved 1186 patients and evaluated four medications were reviewed and efficacy data were extracted with regard to dimensional measures of anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) demonstrated efficacy in the reduction of anxiety symptoms with NNTs ranging from 2.8 to 9.3. TEAEs varied considerably between studies but tended to be mild and generally did not lead to discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from five trials of SSRI/SNRI in youth with GAD, many of whom had co-occurring separation and social anxiety disorders, suggest superiority to placebo and favorable tolerability profiles.

Sleep-Related Problems and the Effects of Anxiety Treatment in Children and Adolescents

This study examined (a) demographic and clinical characteristics associated with sleep-related problems (SRPs) among youth with anxiety disorders, and (b) the impact of anxiety treatment: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; Coping Cat), medication (sertraline), their combination, and pill placebo on SRPs. Youth (N = 488, ages 7-17, 50% female, 79% White) with a principal diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, or social phobia participated. SRPs were reported by parents and youth. Findings differed by informant and by type of SRP, with evidence that SRPs are associated with age, anxiety severity, externalizing problems, functional impairment, and family burden at pretreatment. Anxiety treatment reduced SRPs; effect sizes were small to medium. Reductions in parent-reported separation-related sleep difficulties were significantly greater in active treatment than in the placebo condition, with the greatest reductions reported by parents of youth whose active treatment was multimodal or included sertraline. Youth whose anxiety treatment involved CBT reported significantly greater decreases in dysregulated sleep (e.g., sleeplessness). Both CBT for anxiety and sertraline appear to be somewhat effective in reducing SRPs, and multimodal treatment may be preferable depending on the symptom presentation. To inform practice, future research should examine a broad range of SRPs, incorporate objective measures of sleep, and evaluate the impact of behavioral strategies that directly target SRPs in youth with anxiety disorders.

[Anxiety disorders and influence factors in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anxiety disorders and influence factors that occur in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate and to provide theoretical foundation for mental intervention.

METHODS

A total of 120 adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate were investigated using a general information questionnaire, the self-rating anxiety scale, and the social support rating scale (SSRS). The influence factors of anxiety disorders were analyzed.

RESULTS

The effective questionnaires were 119. The occurrence rate of anxiety disorder in adolescent patients was 49.6% (59/119), and the occurrence rates of mild, moderate, and severe anxieties were 41.2% (49/119), 7.6% (9/119), and 0.8% (1/119), respectively. The gender, residential area, disease category, family status (one child or no children), and incidence rate of anxiety disorder in patients were statistically different (P<0.05). The SSRS scores of patients with anxiety disorder were lower than those of patients without anxiety disorder (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that gender and social support were predictive factors of the occurrence of anxiety disorder (R=0.318).

CONCLUSION

A high anxiety disorder rate occurred in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate. dender and social support were important influencing factors for anxiety disorder. In the after-mental intervention, considerable attention should be given to the anxiety disorders of patients and improve their mental health.

[Anxiety disorders and influence factors in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anxiety disorders and influence factors that occur in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate and to provide theoretical foundation for mental intervention.

METHODS

A total of 120 adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate were investigated using a general information questionnaire, the self-rating anxiety scale, and the social support rating scale (SSRS). The influence factors of anxiety disorders were analyzed.

RESULTS

The effective questionnaires were 119. The occurrence rate of anxiety disorder in adolescent patients was 49.6% (59/119), and the occurrence rates of mild, moderate, and severe anxieties were 41.2% (49/119), 7.6% (9/119), and 0.8% (1/119), respectively. The gender, residential area, disease category, family status (one child or no children), and incidence rate of anxiety disorder in patients were statistically different (P<0.05). The SSRS scores of patients with anxiety disorder were lower than those of patients without anxiety disorder (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that gender and social support were predictive factors of the occurrence of anxiety disorder (R=0.318).

CONCLUSION

A high anxiety disorder rate occurred in adolescent patients with cleft lip and palate. dender and social support were important influencing factors for anxiety disorder. In the after-mental intervention, considerable attention should be given to the anxiety disorders of patients and improve their mental health.