Anxiety and separation disorders

• Based on strong research evidence, anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illness in children and adolescents. (1)(2) • Based on some research evidence, the neurobiology of anxiety disorders is linked to dysregulation in the fear and stress response system in the brain. (4) • Based on strong research evidence, separation anxiety disorder is one of the most common causes of school refusal, and addressing both the function of the behavior and returning to school as soon as possible is recommended. (7) • Based on strong research evidence, CBT is the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. (8)(9) • Based on strong research evidence, SSRIs are effective for treatment of moderate-to-severe anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. (9)(10)(11)(12).