Escitalopram for Kids’ Anxiety: FDA Approval or Risky Gamble? Weighing the Evidence”
About this episode
This episode discusses the FDA's approval of escitalopram for children's anxiety and the associated risks and benefits.
In 2023, the FDA approved escitalopram (Lexapro) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in children aged 7 and older, based largely on one industry-sponsored trial showing a small statistical edge over placebo on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). Critics argue the benefits fall below clinically meaningful thresholds while risks—particularly a roughly six-fold increase in treatment-emergent suicidal ideation—raise serious concerns about the risk-benefit balance. This episode explores the trial data, study limitations, broader context of pediatric antidepressant use, and what it means for families and clinicians navigating anxiety treatment options.
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: FDA, Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS)
Products: escitalopram, Lexapro
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