Anxiety in special populations
Anxiety presents and is treated differently across the lifespan and across comorbidity profiles. This hub orients readers to population-specific notes that sit alongside the main evidence summaries. Pharmacotherapy patterns referenced below include SSRIs and benzodiazepines, with population-specific cautions for each. Nothing here is a substitute for individualized clinical evaluation.
Perinatal anxiety
Anxiety in pregnancy and the postpartum year is common, frequently under-recognized, and clinically distinct from postpartum depression in presentation. SSRI risk-benefit considerations during pregnancy and lactation are individualized; ACOG and APA position statements guide prescribing alongside CBT.
Pediatric and adolescent anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common pediatric mental health conditions. The CAMS trial established the comparative effectiveness of CBT and sertraline, alone and in combination, for childhood anxiety. SSRI labels carry a boxed warning on suicidality in patients under 25; monitoring during early treatment is standard.
Geriatric anxiety
Late-life anxiety is often comorbid with medical conditions, cognitive change, and depression. Benzodiazepines are designated as potentially inappropriate by the AGS Beers Criteria due to falls, delirium, and cognitive risks. SSRIs and CBT remain first-line; doses are typically started low.
Anxiety with ADHD
Co-occurring ADHD and anxiety is common in adults and adolescents. Stimulant therapy can either improve or worsen anxiety on an individual basis. Treatment sequencing typically depends on which condition is more functionally impairing and on prior medication response.
Anxiety with substance use
Anxiety disorders frequently co-occur with alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders. Differential workup considers substance-induced anxiety (caffeine, stimulants, alcohol withdrawal). Integrated treatment models that address both conditions outperform sequential treatment in many trials.
Anxiety with chronic medical illness
Anxiety presentations in cardiovascular disease, COPD, cancer, and chronic pain warrant attention to medical contributors and to medication interactions. CBT remains effective in these populations; pharmacotherapy selection considers organ function and concurrent medication.
Crisis resources
If you or someone you're caring for is in acute crisis, call or text 988, or go to the nearest emergency department. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline supports call, text, and chat.