Comparison among clomipramine, fluoxetine, and placebo for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of clomipramine and fluoxetine, controlled by placebo, and compare their action in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.

Method: Thirty subjects (ages 7-17 years), who were diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and/or separation anxiety disorder and/or social phobia, were submitted to a 12 week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of clomipramine and fluoxetine. The instruments included: the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, the Children's Depression Inventory, the Clinical Global Impressions, and the Children's Global Assessment Scale.