Treating anxiety in pediatric primary care: A case report

Abstract

Primary care pediatric health care providers have always supported the well-being of children and their families. In the past, the focus has been diagnosing and treating common pediatric physical diseases as well as anticipatory guidance and prevention of pathology through well child visits. Now with the growing mental health crisis impacting young people, identifying, and treating common mental health disorders has become a health care priority in the pediatric primary care setting. A case study format is used to illustrate the assessment, evaluation and management of an adolescent presenting with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Evidenced-based interventions are presented, and mental health resources are provided to assist the pediatric health care provider to confidently care for common mental health disorders in adolescents.