Panic Attacks in
Children
Panic attacks or anxiety disorder in children and
adolescents is a common and treatable disorder. The main symptoms of
panic attacks can often be unexpected and recurring situations of
intense fear and discomfort.
There are a variety of different symptoms
associated with a panic attack, with the most common being a racing
heartbeat and intense feelings of fear. Usually these panic attacks can
last anywhere from a few minutes to hours. Sometimes panic attacks will
result when your mind detects an immediate danger or they can also come
on without warning.
The main symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Racing heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Intense fear (Usually a fear of dying or a fear
of losing your mind)
- Trembling or shaking
- Dizziness (Usually caused by rapid breathing)
- Feelings of not being in reality
Panic attacks can regularly affect children more
than an adult because a child is less adept at handling the symptoms
compared to an adult. An adult has an easier time grasping the fact
that panic attacks are normally not life threatening, than compared to
a child’s view of panic attacks and the symptoms that cause
them to be desperately afraid.
Panic attacks often run in families, and if not
treated can cause serious complications in a child’s life.
Panic attacks can affect a child’s relationships with family
and other students at school, and result in poor grades and overall
poor development.
When a child expects recurring panic attacks,
often they will develop and live in a constant state of fear or anxious
feeling, because they expect another panic attack to occur. In severe
situations, they will be afraid to leave home or avoid certain places.
This type of condition is known as agoraphobia and is not uncommon with
children that experience panic attacks regularly.
Another thing to look for if a child is
experiencing chronic panic attacks, is turning to substance abuse.
Early treatment is important to help avoid a child developing severe
changes in their lifestyle such as substance abuse, agoraphobia,
suicidal behavior and severe cases of depression.
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Experiencing the Extreme Feelings of Fear and Anxiety from Panic
Attacks? You Are Not Alone.
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