Journal of Psychiatry

Abstract

Fluoxetine Use for the Treatment of Anxiety-Induced Vomiting in 3-Year-Old Children with Complex Trauma and Developmental Concerns: A Case Report

Daniel J McNeil*, Deborah L Preston, Maggie Blackwood and Hillary Porter

Background: Heightened anxiety often is seen in children with trauma histories and complex healthcare problems, and vomiting is a common anxiety reaction. Fluoxetine has demonstrated clinical safety and efficacy in pediatric patients. However, there are no published case examples of the pharmacological management of anxiety-induced vomiting in young children.

Case presentation: Cases involve two 3-year-old females with multiple health conditions and neglect, presenting with anxiety-induced vomiting. Fluoxetine was prescribed due to the anxiety-related gastrointestinal symptomatology and subsequently reduced vomiting and increased nutritional intake benefiting overall health.

Conclusion: Outcomes of these cases suggest the possible efficacy of fluoxetine even in young children with anxietyrelated symptoms, including vomiting. Four justifications for off-label use of fluoxetine for the anxiety component of vomiting in young patients are described, including multifactorial approaches, evidence-based decision making, safety, and severity. Future directions and guidelines will be discussed.

Published Date: 2022-10-24; Received Date: 2022-09-23