Buspirone is a reasonable option in anxious patients for whom benzodiazepines are not appropriate. Don’t expect as robust a response, and make sure patients know it may take a week or two to kick in.

Despite the lack of large randomized controlled data to support first-line use, buspirone may be used adjunctively in kids who exhibit partial response to first-line therapies for anxiety (SSRI, SNRI), without the sedation and abuse potential burden of benzodiazepines.

Anxiety is perhaps the most frequent symptom for which child psychiatrists are consulted.