{"id":1083,"date":"2024-10-14T18:24:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T22:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/?page_id=1083"},"modified":"2025-10-02T12:05:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T16:05:08","slug":"anxiety-disorders","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/resources-2\/provider-toolkit\/anxiety-disorders\/","title":{"rendered":"Anxiety Disorders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring psychiatric condition in children, youth and adults. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the prevalence of anxiety disorders. About 11.6% of children and teens suffered from a diagnosable anxiety disorder in 2012, before COVID. During and after the pandemic, those numbers nearly doubled, such that 20.5% of youth worldwide now struggle with anxiety symptoms, according to a meta-analysis of 29 studies reported in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamapediatrics\/fullarticle\/2782801\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>JAMA Pediatrics<\/em>&nbsp;(Vol. 175, No. 11, 2021)<\/a>. Youth from minoritized and LGBTQ+ backgrounds with mental health or learning disabilities that predated the pandemic are more vulnerable to experiencing anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are more common in teens (25%) and girls (a 2:1 ratio of girls to boys).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anxiety in children is expected and normal at specific times in development. For example, from approximately eight months through the preschool years, healthy youngsters may show intense distress (anxiety) at times of separation from their parents or other people with whom they are close. Young children may have short-lived fears, such as fear of the dark, storms, animals, monsters, or a fear of strangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, whereas anxiety is anticipation of a future threat. Anxiety disorders are associated with autonomic (fight, flight, freeze) reactions to a perceived threat, when there is no threat. Anxiety becomes a disorder when the individual is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>anxious too much of the time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>so anxious that it interferes with age-appropriate functioning in family, social, school, or other areas of life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>anxious about things that do not represent real threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lasts for at least 4 weeks or more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends regular screening for anxiety in children ages 8 to 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Anxiety Disorder Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guidelines for Diagnosis and Screening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion accordion-fa8dac5a\" data-mode=\"global\"><div class=\"esab__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Guidelines for Diagnosis<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Types of Anxiety Disorders<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:14px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong>Situational Anxiety<\/strong> occurs only when faced with the anxiety-provoking situation.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Separation Anxiety Disorder<\/strong>: this condition happens when one feels excessive anxiety when separated from a loved one, usually a primary caregiver. While separation anxiety in babies and toddlers is a normal&nbsp;stage of development, separation anxiety disorder can affect children and adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Selective Mutism<\/strong>: this condition happens when one does not talk in certain situations because of fear or anxiety. It usually affects young children, but it can also affect adolescents and adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Specific Phobia<\/strong>: A phobia is when a specific thing or situation causes one to feel fear or anxiety that\u2019s so severe it consistently and overwhelmingly disrupts one\u2019s life. There are hundreds of different types of phobias, and there\u2019s one diagnosis for almost all of them: specific phobia. Only one phobia, agoraphobia, is a distinct diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Social Anxiety Disorder<\/strong>: this condition (formerly known as social phobia) happens when one experience intense and ongoing fear of being judged negatively and\/or watched by others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Agoraphobia<\/strong>: this condition causes an intense fear of becoming overwhelmed or unable to escape or get help when in a community location. People with agoraphobia often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations, like large, open areas or enclosed spaces, crowds and places outside of their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong>Unprovoked Anxiety<\/strong> occurs \u201cout of the blue\u201d without a known precipitant.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Generalized Anxiety Disorder<\/strong>: this condition causes fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It is characterized by excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as school, performance, new situations, and health (self and loved ones).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Panic Disorder<\/strong>: this condition involves multiple unexpected panic attacks. A main feature of the condition is that the attacks usually happen without warning and aren\u2019t due to another mental health or physical condition. About one-third of people with panic disorder also have agoraphobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"><strong>Psychiatric disorders with prominent anxiety that are not categorized as an anxiety disorder.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)<\/strong>: this condition is caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event \u2014 either being part of it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative beliefs, memory loss, and hypervigilance. Young children who have experienced one or multiple traumas may present differently than adults, with more generalized irritability and dysregulated behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)<\/strong>: this condition includes obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions can be defined as unwanted and intrusive thoughts, feelings, images or sensations. Compulsions can be defined as repetitive actions or behaviors that people perform to relieve the distress caused by their obsession(s). Formerly categorized as an anxiety disorder, individuals with OCD may experience extreme distress if they are unable to perform rituals that they believe will decrease their distressing worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:16px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Presenting Complaints<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Somatic symptoms are a common presenting complaint for children with anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary depending on the type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common physical symptoms include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>restlessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stomachaches, nausea, GI complaints, change in appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>heart palpitations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>shortness of breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>muscle tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>numbness or tingling in hands or feet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common psychological symptoms include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>feeling panic, fear, dread and uneasiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>feeling on edge or irritable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>uncontrollable, obsessive worries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty concentrating<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>irritability and anger.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>being clingy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reluctant or refusing to go to school<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Etiology<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The causes of anxiety disorders are multi-factorial and complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Risk factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Genetic:<\/strong>&nbsp;anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that genes play a role.&nbsp;Heritability estimates are between 20-65%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fear circuitry aberrations<\/strong>: either inborn or through adverse early life experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Temperament: <\/strong>introversion, behavioral inhibition, and negative emotionality<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical:<\/strong>&nbsp;may be linked to an underlying health issue, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, respiratory disorders, etc. Children with severe food allergies have rational fears about eating that food, but may become anxious about ingesting other foods, as well.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medications:<\/strong>&nbsp;rule out drugs as the cause of anxiety as a side effect, such as drugs containing caffeine, corticosteroids, and some asthma medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Misuse of substances: <\/strong>it is important to rule out the use of nicotine, marijuana, misuse of sympathomimetics, and other illicit substances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental:<\/strong>&nbsp;stressful or traumatic life experiences can trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Psychological:<\/strong>&nbsp;cognitive factors, such as how individuals think about threatening events, play a critical role<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gender and expectations:<\/strong>&nbsp;gender roles and societal expectations can lead to feelings of anxiety&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LGBTQ+ identity:<\/strong>&nbsp;LGBTQ+ individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing hostile environments and discrimination, which can lead to poor mental health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Children of color: <\/strong>are at an increased risk of experiencing discrimination and harsher expectations, leading to poor mental health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parental modeling: <\/strong>anxiety disorders in children may develop in the context of a high anxiety household<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation: <\/strong>chronic anxiety is exacerbated by accommodation (parents and others attempting to help the child avoid the situations that make them anxious)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cognitive factors:<\/strong> cognitive rigidity and\/or being prone to catastrophizing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Protective factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strong community relationships:&nbsp;<\/strong>a supportive community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Self-esteem:&nbsp;<\/strong>high self-esteem and self-confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parental involvement:&nbsp;<\/strong>parental involvement and appropriate supervision (without being overprotective \u201chelicopter\u201d parents)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parental warmth:<\/strong>&nbsp;parental warmth and caring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coping skills:&nbsp;<\/strong>adaptive coping to stress or life challenges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social-emotional skills:&nbsp;<\/strong>good social skills, having friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cognitive factors<\/strong>: cognitive flexibility and ability to put events or situations in context<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Problem-solving skills:<\/strong> good problem-solving and cognitive skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resilience:&nbsp;<\/strong>demonstration of perseverance and \u201cgrit\u201d&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No discrimination<\/strong>: acceptance by peers, teachers, community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; height: 318px;\" border=\"1px\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 318px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 100%; height: 318px;\">\n<h4><strong>PCP Visit<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Screen for behavioral health problems\n<ul>\n<li>Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-17)\n<ul>\n<li>Cut point 15 total: 5 Internalizing (Items 2, 6, 9, 11, 15)<\/li>\n<li>Item 15 is specific for anxiety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>If screen is positive, conduct focused assessment: focused symptom rating scales and clinical interview\/medical workup (see below)\n<ul>\n<li>If concern for potential for imminent danger\u2014211 emergency crisis, Urgent Crisis Centers, 911 for life-threatening emergency<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Guidelines for Screening and Assessment<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<p>The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends regular screening for anxiety in children ages 8 to 18.&nbsp; This may be done during a well-child checkup.&nbsp; The PSC-17 or GAD-7 scales are the shortest and may be a good initial screener.&nbsp; The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) is 41 items (for parent and older children) and should be considered if the initial shorter screenings or patient interview suggests an anxiety disorder.&nbsp; All of the following are validated screening tools in the public domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rating Scales for Pediatric Anxiety<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SCARED (parent and child): ages 8-18 (cut-point: 25 parent and child) orGAD-7: ages 12+ (cut-points: 10 moderate, 15 severe)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Clinical History<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>assess acute or chronic stressors that may have precipitated or exacerbated anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ask for the family&#8217;s history of anxiety and other mental health disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assess for other psychiatric symptoms &#8212; the most common co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses include ADHD, depression, and substance use disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ask about substance use, including over the counter medications, caffeine, and illicit substances nicotine, marijuana, pills, legal and illegal stimulants, etc\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the CRAFFT screening tool may be helpful (teen self-report and\/or clinician questions) <a href=\"https:\/\/njaap.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/COMBINED-CRAFFT-2.1-Self-Admin_Clinician-Interview_Risk-Assess-Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/njaap.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/COMBINED-CRAFFT-2.1-Self-Admin_Clinician-Interview_Risk-Assess-Guide.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ask about chronicity (&#8220;were they always an anxious child?&#8221;) and severity (&#8220;how impairing is the anxiety?&#8221;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assess for self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, or history of suicidality. Anxiety disorders (especially panic), with or without depression, are a risk factor for suicidality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ask about avoidance, sleep, appetite, energy level, motivation, school performance, and friends<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Medical Workup<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>perform a general standard medical assessment.&nbsp;Vital signs may suggest anxiety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>assessment of medical conditions that can present with anxiety symptoms (i.e., thyroid abnormalities, cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, severe food allergy)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consider other medications that the child is taking which may increase anxiety (steroids, etc.) and assess for drug-drug interactions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>perform a pregnancy test for menstruating patients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Differential Diagnosis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depression, ADHD, substance use, bullying or other traumas, PTSD, autism spectrum disorder, other mood disorders (bipolar).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assessment of Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anxiety disorders, especially with panic (with or without co-occurring depression) are a risk factor for suicidality. Screen for safety (self-harm or suicidality).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider use of a suicide risk screening tool\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ask Suicide Screening Questions (ASQ). 5 question brief screener (ages 10-21) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/research\/research-conducted-at-nimh\/asq-toolkit-materials\/asq-tool\/screening_tool_asq_nimh_toolkit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/research\/research-conducted-at-nimh\/asq-toolkit-materials\/asq-tool\/screening_tool_asq_nimh_toolkit.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale screener (brief and longer versions)<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/files\/document\/cssrs-screen-version-instrument.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/files\/document\/cssrs-screen-version-instrument.pdf<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/cssrs.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/C-SSRS_Pediatric-SLC_11.14.16.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cssrs.columbia.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/C-SSRS_Pediatric-SLC_11.14.16.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zerosuicide.edc.org\/resources\/resource-database\/patient-health-questionnaire-9-phq-9-depression-scale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PHQ-9<\/a>&nbsp;or PHQ-A (Question 9) is often used to assess for depression and many organizations use question #9 on this tool as their suicide screening tool.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>If a patient is reporting suicidality, provide interventions (from less severe to more severe):<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Safety Plan:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Child Mind Institute provides a sample safety plan (please know that the safety hotline is 988).&nbsp;<br><a href=\"https:\/\/childmind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MySafetyPlan-v1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/childmind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MySafetyPlan-v1.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>988 Suicide Hotline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>211 Mobile Crisis \u2013 crisis clinicians will go to the patient\u2019s home, school or your office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urgent Crisis Centers for Pediatric Mental Health<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthevillage.org%2Fprograms%2Furgent-crisis-center-ucc%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CPETER.YAZBAK%40ct.gov%7C9c265fd4a6d44f5b4e2608db951818d5%7C118b7cfaa3dd48b9b02631ff69bb738b%7C0%7C0%7C638267702953391030%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=341EMKQDNYCIzWbfyq9k15%2Fz1AhPdF6o%2BaiebFX%2FTq0%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Village for Families and Children<\/a>&nbsp;in Hartford: 1680 Albany Avenue, Hartford. Hours: Monday \u2013 Friday, 7:00am \u2013 11:00pm. Phone: 860-297-0520<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellmore.org%2Fchild-programs-1&amp;data=05%7C01%7CPETER.YAZBAK%40ct.gov%7C9c265fd4a6d44f5b4e2608db951818d5%7C118b7cfaa3dd48b9b02631ff69bb738b%7C0%7C0%7C638267702953391030%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=B2FKzUjAZgQ7eIdpKx6pGMygcsElX3tXTGC0XqEiAgg%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wellmore Behavioral Health<\/a>&nbsp;in Waterbury: 141 East Main Street, Waterbury.<br>Hours 24\/7. Phone 203-580-4298.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.childandfamilyagency.org%2Furgent-crisis-center%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CPETER.YAZBAK%40ct.gov%7C9c265fd4a6d44f5b4e2608db951818d5%7C118b7cfaa3dd48b9b02631ff69bb738b%7C0%7C0%7C638267702953391030%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=1ZnyQB5aFH6Sjew0pUZsegPs7J3LFS82zVW4Zmj3ATY%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut<\/a>&nbsp;in New London:<br>255 Hempstead Street, New London.&nbsp;<br>Hours Monday-Friday 8:00 am -11:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am-6:00 pm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ynhh.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CPETER.YAZBAK%40ct.gov%7C9c265fd4a6d44f5b4e2608db951818d5%7C118b7cfaa3dd48b9b02631ff69bb738b%7C0%7C0%7C638267702953391030%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6wYseH0gUWlBXAecbz9%2BBsJmQYR2ONjPBdRMuG67hzs%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yale New Haven Hospital<\/a>&nbsp;in New Haven\u2014pending in 2025.&nbsp; Pediatric Emergency Department (open 24\/7) available for crises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>911 and Ambulance to Emergency Department<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Anxiety Screening and Rating Scales<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17): <\/strong>Q 15 (anxiety); Internalizing (Items 2, 6, 9, 11, 15).<br><a href=\"https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/dbpeds\/Screening%20Tools\/PSC-17.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/dbpeds\/Screening%20Tools\/PSC-17.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/adaa.org\/sites\/default\/files\/GAD-7_Anxiety-updated_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/adaa.org\/sites\/default\/files\/GAD-7_Anxiety-updated_0.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ohsu.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/2019-06\/SCARED-form-Parent-and-Child-version.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ohsu.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/2019-06\/SCARED-form-Parent-and-Child-version.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Preschool Anxiety Scale, parent version<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/novopsych.com.au\/assessments\/child\/spence-childrens-anxiety-scale-parent-scas-parent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/novopsych.com.au\/assessments\/child\/spence-childrens-anxiety-scale-parent-scas-parent\/  <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaswebsite.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.scaswebsite.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale-PARENT: Questions 41- 47<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/nichq.org\/sites\/default\/files\/resource-file\/NICHQ-Vanderbilt-Assessment-Scales.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/nichq.org\/sites\/default\/files\/resource-file\/NICHQ-Vanderbilt-Assessment-Scales.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guidelines for Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, (CBT)), medication (typically antidepressants SSRIs or SNRIs) and family psychoeducation (to decrease potential accommodation to the patient\u2019s anxiety symptoms) are the mainstays of treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders. With effective treatment, there is a good prognosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Call your ACCESS Mental Health for Youth Hub Team for assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/anxiety-guidelines-for-pcps\/\"><strong><em>Anxiety Disorder Treatment Algorithm<\/em><\/strong><\/a>: our basic algorithm for treating mild, moderate, and severe anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/anxiety-medication-table\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Anxiety Disorder Medication Table<\/em><\/strong><\/a>: a medication table that outlines indications, available strengths, dosing, and side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion accordion-82228b3e\" data-mode=\"global\"><div class=\"esab__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Medication Guidelines<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<p><strong>Acute psychopharmacological treatment of anxiety:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Antihistamines: Hydroxyzine (Atarax or Vistaril); Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): block the CNS histamines, as well as some serotonin receptors, which increases serotonin levels and creates a sedative&nbsp;effect. Recommended to reduce anxiety in children and teens for short periods of time. They work quickly, can help extremely anxious kids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Benzodiazepines: Lorazepam (Ativan); Clonazepam (Klonopin); Alprazolam (Xanax): Benzodiazepines are only FDA approved for seizure disorders in children. These anxiolytics are addictive (particularly alprazolam). They may be helpful for children and youth for acute anxiety (such as to calm for a procedure), or for temporary (no more than 6 weeks) treatment of severe and disabling anxiety (while other medications and psychotherapies are implemented).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, it is recommended to <em>start low and go slow <\/em>for medication treatment of anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SSRI &#8211; Escitalopram* (Lexapro); Sertraline (Zoloft); Fluoxetine (Prozac): although escitalopram has FDA indication for GAD, others have good data about effectiveness. SSRIs are the standard treatment for anxiety disorders (55% improvement), and, with CBT, have 81% improvement of symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SNRI &#8211; Duloxetine* (Cymbalta); Venlafaxine (Effexor); Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): SNRI medications are considered second line for anxiety, as they may have more side effects, such as physiological withdrawal, constipation, bp changes, nausea, or \u201cbrain zaps\u201d (unpleasant shock-like feelings). However, they may be particularly helpful for someone with chronic pain, in addition to anxiety or if there is a history of biological family members having a positive response.&nbsp; Duloxetine is FDA approved for the treatment of pediatric anxiety, although venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine likely have similar effectiveness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alpha Agonists reduce symptoms of anxiety by acting on the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates the body\u2019s fight-or-flight response.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guanfacine: Tenex (or long-acting Intuniv or generic): is FDA approved for treatment of ADHD. However, at least two studies from 2013 and 2017 have shown that using it to treat anxiety and trauma-related disorders in children and adolescents may be effective and safe. It may be helpful for children and youth with co-occurring anxiety and ADHD.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clonidine (or long-active Kapvay or generic): is FDA approved for ADHD. It triggers the brain to relax blood vessels, which helps relax areas of the brain that may be causing stress. It is prescribed for anxiety, tics, and ADHD. It is more sedating than guanfacine and is used as a non-addictive sleep medication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beta Blockers:&nbsp;Propranolol is used off-label to relieve performance, social, or situational anxiety and panic. It works quickly, usually within&nbsp;30 to 60 minutes&nbsp;to help relieve physical symptoms of anxiety such as flushing, shaking, sweating, trembling, and an elevated heart rate. It may be useful for school anxiety if panic symptoms are prominent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buspirone (atypical anxiolytic): Buspirone has little empirical evidence for effectiveness in children and youth. It is sometimes used as an adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders and is non-addictive and with few side-effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atypical Antipsychotics &#8211; Quetiapine (Sseroquel); Risperidone (Risperdal); Aripiprazole (Abilify):&nbsp; All antipsychotic medications are off-label for anxiety. The negative side-effect profile (weight gain, possible dystonia, movements, sedation, cognitive blunting in some people), make these medications only suitable as an adjunct for serious anxiety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Antidepressant \u201cBOX WARNING\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 2004 antidepressants, including SSRIs and SNRIs, have carried an FDA \u201cbox\u201d warning that they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in young people, especially in the first few weeks of starting on them, or when the dose is changed. But&nbsp;studies have shown&nbsp;that the warning, contrary to its intention, may have increased youth suicides by leaving a number of suicidal youth without treatment with antidepressants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It takes two to four weeks before an&nbsp;antidepressant&nbsp;begins to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, and it continues to become more effective over the first 8 to 12 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s usually recommended that youth continue to take an&nbsp;antidepressant&nbsp;for a year after their symptoms have disappeared (or diminished to a manageable level). This allows the brain to build up the pathways that help manage anxiety and for the patient to build skills through therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When&nbsp;antidepressant&nbsp;treatment is stopped, it should be done during periods of low stress, not when the child might be expected to be most anxious. For example, kids shouldn\u2019t stop taking antidepressants at the start of a new school year or when they first leave for college. SSRIs&nbsp;are not addictive, but a child who stops taking them abruptly can experience withdrawal-like symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Talking to families about \u201cBox Warning\u201d for antidepressant medications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talking to families about the \u201cBox Warning\u201d for an increase in suicidality in children and youth taking antidepressants may be difficult. The PCP must provide an honest and thorough explanation of the warning, without alarming families, particularly families that may already be reluctant to consider medications. The following pearls may be helpful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the assessment findings and the fact that the child is not functioning well. Sometimes letting parents know that \u201cYour child is only a child once. We want them to enjoy childhood and develop the skills they require to be a happy and productive adult. Right now, the anxiety is really interfering.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Briefly review the data that the studies showed a small risk that suicidal thinking may increase, but that there were no deaths. The positive effects of antidepressants over time have been shown to outweigh the possible adverse effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highlight the benefits: Example: Your child may be able to enjoy life again, get to school, and spend time with friends. Emphasize that anxiety disorders are very treatable and with the right medication and therapy, prognosis is good.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highlight that the potential side effect of suicidal thoughts is rare, but that we want to ensure safety, so will monitor closely.&nbsp; In the rare situation that the patient has thoughts of self-harm, call right away or call 211 or 911. If the youth is depressed and depression worsens, or there is activation (talking fast, not feeling a need to sleep) make sure to contact prescriber right away. Some medications may increase the serotonin levels in the body and overdose on an SSRI can cause a serious effect of serotonin syndrome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For youth: &#8220;Most people that start (name SSRI medication) don\u2019t notice any negative effects at all. Some may have temporary stomach aches or dry mouth. Sometimes the medication may make you sleepier or sometimes more active or jumpy. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, we want to get you support right away to be sure you are safe. Who will you tell if you ever feel that you want to hurt yourself?&nbsp; Please let your family (and therapist if there is one) know right away.&#8221; (For adolescents: &#8220;if this is relevant to you, sometimes the medication may interfere with sexual desire. There may be some pregnancy risks, as well, so be sure to have safe sex (condoms even if on OCPs&#8221;).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To family to enhance placebo effect: &#8220;Most children and youth find that the anxiety begins to get better pretty quickly, although it may take 4-8 weeks for full effect.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evidence-based medications for Anxiety:<\/strong> Escitalopram*, Sertraline, Fluoxetine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start test dose for 1-2 weeks (ex: escitalopram 5 mg; fluoxetine 5 mg; sertraline 12.5 mg).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If test dose tolerated, increase daily dose (ex: escitalopram 10 mg; fluoxetine 10 mg or sertraline 25 mg).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor (with therapist) for adverse effects regularly (including rare suicidal ideation or activation).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider PRN meds for severe distress:<ul><li>Hydroxyzine: 12.5-25 mg (Age &lt;12 yo); 25-50 mg (12+ yo) q4h PRN not to exceed twice daily.<\/li><\/ul>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Benzodiazepines: Sometimes used as an adjunctive short-term (up to 6 weeks) treatment for adolescents to address severe and disabling anxiety symptoms, when starting SSRI, or to facilitate exposure phase of CBT.<ul><li>Avoid alprazolam (Xanax) as most addictive.Lorazepam (Ativan) or Clonazepam (Klonapin ) 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg as needed or regular dosing bid until anxiety subsiding.Call ACCESS Mental Health for Youth for consultation, as needed.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For rare severe agitation or suicidal intent or plan, refer to crisis team or hospital for emergency evaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At 4 weeks, re-assess symptom severity with SCARED or GAD-7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If score &gt; cut-point and impairment persists, increase daily dose (e.g., escitalopram 15-20 mg; fluoxetine 20mg or sertraline 50mg).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor monthly for agitation, suicidality, and other side effects; for severe agitation or suicidal intent or plan, refer to hospital or crisis team for emergency psychiatric assessment; consult with ACCESS Mental Health for Youth as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At 8 weeks, re-assess symptom severity with SCARED or GAD-7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If score &gt; cut-point and impairment persists, increase daily dose (e.g., escitalopram 20 mg; fluoxetine 30mg; or sertraline 75mg); monitor monthly for agitation, suicidality, and other side effects. Consult ACCESS Mental Health for Youth as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At 12 weeks, re-assess symptom severity with SCARED or GAD-7<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If score &gt; cut-point and impairment persists, consult with ACCESS Mental Health for Youth for next steps\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>if score &lt; cut-point with mild to no impairment, remain at current dose for 12 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>after 12 months of successful treatment, re-assess symptom severity with SCARED or GAD-7<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>may continue medication for longer term for ongoing symptoms, positive family history, or patient and family preference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If score &lt; cut-point without impairment, the youth and family prefer to discontinue medication, and it is a low stress, stable time of life, consider tapering medication\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>decrease daily dose by 25-50% every 2-4 weeks to starting dose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>then discontinue medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consult with ACCESS Mental Health for Youth as needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>monitor with SCARED or GAD-7 for several months after discontinuation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Psychotherapy<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<p>Psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, (CBT)), medication (typically antidepressants SSRIs or SNRIs) and family psychoeducation (to decrease potential accommodation to the patient\u2019s anxiety symptoms) are the mainstays of treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders. With effective treatment, there is a good prognosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Psychotherapy:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>CBT: Cognitive Behavior Therapy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ERP: Exposure and Response Therapy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Family Interventions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Psychoeducation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SPACE:&nbsp; Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions: a parent-based treatment program (developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center). The treatment helps parents respond more supportively to their anxious child and to reduce accommodations they have been making to the child\u2019s symptoms. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spacetreatment.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.spacetreatment.net\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading toppad\">Additional Provider and Family Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion accordion-9734a792\" data-mode=\"global\"><div class=\"esab__container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Provider Resources<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Presentations:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/01\/CAFP-10.23.2024-BH-Resources.-Final.pdf\"><strong>Behavioral Health Resources for Connecticut Youth &#8211; CAFP October 2024<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/01\/CAFP-Tx-of-Anx-and-Dep.-Final-Version-10.23.24.pdf\"><strong>Treatment of Pediatric Anxiety and Depression &#8211; CAFP October 2024<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Programs in Connecticut:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>YCSC Anxiety and Mood D\/O Program&nbsp; &#8211; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/childstudy\/research\/clinical-innovations\/anxiety-and-mood-disorders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/childstudy\/research\/clinical-innovations\/anxiety-and-mood-disorders\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence \u2013 RULER <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/childstudy\/services\/community-and-schools-programs\/center-for-emotional-intelligence\/ruler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/medicine.yale.edu\/childstudy\/services\/community-and-schools-programs\/center-for-emotional-intelligence\/ruler\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hartford Health \u2013 Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy &#8211;<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/hhcbehavioralhealth.org\/programs-services\/anxiety-disorders-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/hhcbehavioralhealth.org\/programs-services\/anxiety-disorders-center<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wheeler Clinic<\/strong> \u2013 Anxiety Treatment <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wheelerclinic.org\/services\/wheeler-services\/depression-and-anxiety-treatment-connecticut\">https:\/\/www.wheelerclinic.org\/services\/wheeler-services\/depression-and-anxiety-treatment-connecticut<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Videos:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lebowitz&nbsp; &#8211; SPACE\/Accommodation \u2013 Ted Talk<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ExVvAn9hcjY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ExVvAn9hcjY<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A Journey Though SPACE<\/strong> \u2013 documentary highlighting SPACE treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inside Out II Teaching Resource Kit<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/ymiclassroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/io2_kit-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/ymiclassroom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/io2_kit-1.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PBS Resources:<\/strong>&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/parents\/thrive\/how-to-help-when-your-child-is-anxious#:~:text=It%20is%20normal%20to%20feel,Talk%20about%20concerns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/parents\/thrive\/how-to-help-when-your-child-is-anxious#:~:text=It%20is%20normal%20to%20feel,Talk%20about%20concerns<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arthur \u2013 anxiety<\/strong>&nbsp; &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qapngl9OgEU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qapngl9OgEU<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Good Video on Co-morbid anxiety for children with LD and Neurodivergence<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/video\/managing-anxiety-in-kids-with-ld-yuu90b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/video\/managing-anxiety-in-kids-with-ld-yuu90b\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">ACCESS Mental Health for Youth Clinical Conversations Trainings<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">Provider Toolkit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessmhct.com\/youth\/resources-2\/provider-toolkit\/anxiety-disorders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anxiety Disorders<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A guide specifically designed for pediatric and family care physicians (PCPs) and&nbsp;provides actionable information, algorithms, and insights so that providers and practices can successfully address pediatric mental health and substance use conditions within their practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>October 2, 2025: &#8220;Practical Resources: A Review of Our ACCESS Mental Health Toolkits with a Focus on Anxiety&#8221;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1143936376\/f35fe96884?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">view recording<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>January 2, 2025: &#8220;ADHD and Anxiety Differentiating and Comorbidity&#8221;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1043672802\/cbf273662a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">view recording<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>April 14, 2022: &#8220;Anxiety Disorders&#8221;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/699768807\/e170d8bfbc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">view recording<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>December 3, 2020: &#8220;Medication Management for Anxiety Disorders&#8221;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/488182248\/d02b9920e1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">view recording<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>November 5, 2020: &#8220;School Anxiety&#8221;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/488188693\/569d91c564\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">view recording<\/a><\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-esab-accordion-child\"><div class=\"esab__head\" role=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><div class=\"esab__heading_txt\"><p class=\"esab__heading_tag\">Family Resources<\/p><\/div><div class=\"esab__icon\"><div class=\"esab__collapse\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m3.5 20.5c-4.7-4.7-4.7-12.3 0-17 4.7-4.7 12.3-4.7 17 0 4.6 4.7 4.6 12.3 0 17-4.7 4.6-12.3 4.6-17 0zm0.9-0.9c4.2 4.2 11 4.2 15.2 0 4.2-4.2 4.2-11 0-15.2-4.2-4.3-11-4.3-15.2 0-4.3 4.2-4.3 11 0 15.2z\"><\/path><path d=\"m11.4 15.9v-3.3h-3.3c-0.3 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6 0-0.4 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6h3.3v-3.3c0-0.3 0.3-0.6 0.6-0.6 0.3 0 0.6 0.3 0.6 0.6v3.3h3.3c0.3 0 0.6 0.2 0.6 0.6q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2h-3.3v3.3q0 0.2-0.2 0.4-0.2 0.2-0.4 0.2c-0.4 0-0.6-0.3-0.6-0.6z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><div class=\"esab__expand\"> <svg version=\"1.2\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"m12 24c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12 0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12 6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12 0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm10.6-12c0-5.9-4.7-10.6-10.6-10.6-5.9 0-10.6 4.7-10.6 10.6 0 5.9 4.7 10.6 10.6 10.6 5.9 0 10.6-4.7 10.6-10.6z\"><\/path><path d=\"m5.6 11.3h12.8v1.4h-12.8z\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"esab__body\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Apps:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Coping Cat Parents:&nbsp; <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.copingcatparents.com\/Camp_Cope_A_Lot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.copingcatparents.com\/Camp_Cope_A_Lot<\/a> &#8211; not free but very good resource that could be used at PCP office\/school\/home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Calm<\/strong> (ages 7+)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emergency Calm:<\/strong> How to calm down in 2 minutes:<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/emergency-calm-how-to-calm-down-in-2-minutes?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=panic-attack-meditation&amp;utm_campaign=panic-attack-meditation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.calm.com\/blog\/emergency-calm-how-to-calm-down-in-2-minutes?utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_campaign=panic-attack-meditation&amp;utm_campaign=panic-attack-meditation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\/app-reviews\/mykincloud-family-mindfulness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>myKinCloud: Family Mindfulness<\/strong><\/a> (ages 5+)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headspace:<\/strong> Sleep and Meditation (ages 8+)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mindshift:&nbsp;<\/strong>A free app that uses CBT to help teens and young adults cope with anxiety.&nbsp;It includes techniques like journaling, building fear ladders, and setting goals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clear Fear:&nbsp;<\/strong>A free app that uses CBT techniques to reduce anxiety.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SmartCAT:&nbsp;<\/strong>An app that uses evidence-based therapy to help kids manage anxiety.&nbsp;It can be programmed to launch at a specific location, such as school, to help kids with anxiety around school shootings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame:&nbsp;<\/strong>A Sesame Street app that teaches breathing exercises, self-control strategies, and planning&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mightier: <\/strong>Ages 6-14 (free trial, then subscription)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">Feder J, Tien E, Puzantian T: Child Medication Fact Book for Psychiatric Practice (2<sup>nd<\/sup> Edition); Carlot Publishing, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">Shatkin J: Child and Adolescent Mental Health: A Practical All-In-One Guide (3<sup>rd<\/sup> Edition); Norton Publishing, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">APA: DSM-5-TR. American Psychiatric Association, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">Stahl M: Prescriber\u2019s Guide: Children and Adolescents. Cambridge Press, 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">Galanti R: Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills &amp; Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">Lebowitz ER: Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents.&nbsp; Oxford Press, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px\">Lebowitz ER: Workbook for Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD. Trinity Publishing, 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring psychiatric condition in children, youth and adults. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the prevalence of anxiety disorders. About 11.6% of children and teens suffered from a diagnosable anxiety disorder in 2012, before COVID. 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