ABSTRACT
Internalizing disorders in childhood and adolescence include the anxiety and affective disorders. Children and adolescents differ in their perceptions of personal control and how that may manifest in symptoms of depression. There are a limited number of controlled studies of pharmacological treatments for anxiety in children and adolescents. The treatment and prevention programs must move away from a “one size fits all” mentality to address the complexity of each child or adolescent, and the bio-psychosocial context. Empirically supported or evidence-based interventions work with most of the children and adolescents and families who come into the practices and research clinics. Although selective mutism is typically present before five years of age and is more common in young children than adolescents, it is sometimes not recognized until a child begins formal schooling. Research about children and adolescents who identify as transgender or in categories other than cisgender is emerging to inform the literature as well.
