| What is panic disorder? The symptoms are almost | | | | to leave home. Agoraphobia is the diagnosis used |
| the same for kids as they are for adults. Children and | | | | when a panic disorder sufferer feels so terrified of |
| adolescents with panic disorder have repeated | | | | having an anxiety attack in public, that he or she |
| periods of intense fear and panic that appear to | | | | does not want to leave the safety of home. |
| come from nowhere and for no good reason. Other | | | | This is a very hard way to live: Kids with panic |
| symptoms include a racing heartbeat, a feeling of | | | | disorder can also develop severe depression and may |
| shortness of breath and sometimes a fear of going | | | | be at risk for suicidal behavior. Even more worrisome, |
| crazy. These symptom episodes are called panic | | | | is that in order to decrease anxiety, some teens with |
| attacks and can last from a few minutes to several | | | | this disorder will resort to medicating themselves with |
| hours. | | | | alcohol or drugs. |
| They usually occur without warning. Additional | | | | Your kid will be starting life way behind his or her |
| symptoms can include: | | | | peers if the panic disorder is not recognized and |
| An episode of intense fear that something terrible is | | | | treated. However, it can be difficult to diagnose in |
| happening or is about to happen, | | | | children. Unfortunately, this may lead to excessive |
| Racing heartbeat; intense palpitations, sometimes | | | | visits to doctors and multiple orders for tests which |
| wrongly labeled as a heart attack, | | | | are expensive and sometimes, painful. |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness,shortness of breath or | | | | The good news is, however, that when properly |
| smothering sensations, | | | | diagnosed, panic disorder usually responds well to |
| Trembling, shaking, panicky sensations, | | | | treatment. If any of your kids have symptoms of |
| Feeling of being outside of reality, a foreboding | | | | panic attacks he or she should first be evaluated by |
| eeriness and feeling of danger, | | | | your family physician or pediatrician. If no physical |
| A fear of dropping dead, losing control, or going | | | | illness or condition is found, then you should obtain a |
| crazy. | | | | comprehensive evaluation by a clinical psychologist or |
| More than 3 million Americans will suffer from the | | | | other mental health professional. |
| symptoms of panic disorder at some point in their life. | | | | There are various treatments that can be utilized |
| It frequently has its onset during adolescence, | | | | effectively. For example, specific medications may |
| although occasionally it begins during childhood. | | | | stop or reduce the intensity or frequency of panic |
| Genetics might play a role because there are times it | | | | attacks. Psychotherapy may also help your child; you |
| seems to run in families. | | | | and other members of your family learn ways to |
| Panic disorder and its very troubling symptoms can | | | | reduce the stress or tension that might otherwise |
| devastate ones sense of well-being and quality of life. | | | | trigger an attack. |
| These predatory-like attacks can interfere with your | | | | Through cognitive behavioral counseling, your child can |
| child or teenagers relationships, ability to focus and | | | | also be taught new ways to control the anxiety or |
| concentrate and ability to be mobile and go places | | | | panic attack symptoms when they occur. Kids and |
| with their friends. Kids with untreated panic disorder | | | | teens often respond well to a combination of |
| may begin to feel nervous or fearful much of the | | | | medication and counseling. |
| time, even during those times when they do not | | | | As a parent, it is your responsibility to see that your |
| experience symptoms. | | | | child is evaluated, properly diagnosed and treated |
| Often, sufferers start to avoid situations where they | | | | appropriately. Remember that panic attacks can be |
| fear an attack may occur and do not want to go | | | | effectively treated and their early treatment can |
| places where help may be inaccessible. For example, | | | | prevent more severe complications, such as |
| your child may be hesitant to attend school, go on | | | | agoraphobia, depression, plummeting self-esteem and |
| normal social outings or be separated from you. | | | | substance abuse. |
| As symptoms worsen, he or she may even be afraid | | | | |