Understanding and Treating Anxiety Disorders: Developmental to Clinical
Episode 2.9 – Anxiety Disorders: Development, Diagnosis & Treatment
In this essential episode of Psychiatry Boot Camp, we welcome Dr. John Walkup, Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and President-Elect of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Walkup brings his decades of expertise to guide us through the world of anxiety disorders, bridging theory, clinical insights, and developmental understanding.
Whether you're a medical student, psychiatry resident, primary care provider, or mental health professional, this episode will provide a solid foundation to understand, diagnose, and treat anxiety disorders across age groups with evidence-based tools and compassion.
🧠 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:
✔️ What is Anxiety?
We begin by differentiating normal, adaptive anxiety—a biologically important emotional response—from clinical anxiety that disrupts functioning and may warrant a diagnosis.
✔️ Developmental Approach to Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Dr. Walkup emphasizes how anxiety presents differently across developmental stages, from childhood fears to adult generalized anxiety.
✔️ Forming a Therapeutic Alliance
Learn powerful techniques for engaging anxious patients, creating safety and trust, and building the alliance needed for effective care—especially in pediatric populations.
✔️ Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as first-line treatment
• Exposure-based interventions and how to dose them
• Addressing avoidance behaviors
• Parent-led treatment strategies in child/adolescent anxiety
✔️ Psychopharmacology: SSRIs vs Benzodiazepines
Dr. Walkup shares his nuanced take on prescribing:
• First-line use of SSRIs in anxiety disorders
• Safety, side effects, and managing expectations
• Why benzodiazepines may not be the right choice, especially in youth
• Balancing medication with psychotherapy
✔️ Subtypes of Anxiety Disorders Discussed:
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Selective Mutism
• Specific Phobias
📌 Clinical Pearls You’ll Take Away:
• Anxiety is treatable, and early intervention can change lives
• Many anxiety disorders have an onset in childhood, so screening matters
• Parents and caregivers are crucial allies in pediatric anxiety treatment
• SSRIs can be highly effective when used judiciously
• Not all anxious behavior is pathological—developmental context is key
• Psychiatrists must help patients face fears, not avoid them
🔍 Who Should Watch:
• Psychiatry & pediatric residents
• Primary care physicians
• Child psychologists and school counselors
• Pediatricians and family doctors
• Nurse practitioners and clinical social workers
• Medical educators and therapists
📚 Dr. Walkup’s Credentials:
• Chair, Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
• Professor of Psychiatry, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
• President-Elect, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• International expert in pediatric anxiety and depression
💡 Suggested Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Dr. Walkup and the scope of anxiety disorders
03:40 – The function of anxiety in human development
08:20 – Recognizing clinical vs. non-clinical anxiety
13:15 – Treatment overview: CBT, exposure, SSRIs
21:00 – Pediatric anxiety and parent involvement
26:10 – Benzodiazepines: caution and controversy
30:45 – Subtypes and unique diagnostic tips
37:00 – Final pearls for clinicians
💬 Let’s Hear From You:
What’s your biggest challenge when treating anxiety disorders in practice? Share your experience in the comments and join the discussion!
🧑⚕️ Support Our Trusted Partners:
🔗 SimplePractice
Try it FREE for 7 days + 70% OFF 4 months — now with AI-powered documentation!
🔗 Oasis Psychiatry Conferences
Use code BOOTCAMP at checkout for 10% off live and online CME events
🔗 Beat The Boards
Top-tier exam prep – Save 10% with code BOOTCAMP at checkout
🔗 CME to Go
Convenient audio CME for busy clinicians – get 10% off with code BOOTCAMP
#AnxietyDisorders #PediatricPsychiatry #CBT #SSRIs #DrJohnWalkup #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychiatryBootCamp #AnxietyTreatment #ClinicalPsychiatry #PsychEducation #PsychYouTube #BeatTheBoards #SimplePractice #OasisCME
