Panic disorder is a common and treatable disorder.
Children and adolescents with panic disorder have unexpected and
repeated periods of intense fear or discomfort, along with other
symptoms such as a racing heartbeat or feeling short of breath. These
periods are called "panic attacks" and last minutes to hours. Panic
attacks frequently develop without warning.
Symptoms
of a panic attack include:
Intense fearfulness (a sense
that something terrible is happening)
Racing or pounding heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shortness of breath or a
feeling of being smothered
Trembling or shaking
Sense of unreality
Fear of dying, losing control,
or losing your mind
More than 3 million Americans will experience panic disorder during their
lifetime. Panic disorder often begins during adolescence, although it may
start during childhood, and sometimes runs in families.
If not recognized and treated, panic disorder and its complications can
be devastating. Panic attacks can interfere with a child's or adolescent's
relationships, schoolwork, and normal development. Children and adolescents
with panic disorder may begin to feel anxious most of the time, even when
they are not having panic attacks. Some begin to avoid situations where they
fear a panic attack may occur, or situations where help may not be
available. For example, a child may be reluctant to go to school or be
separated from his or her parents. In severe cases, the child or adolescent
may be afraid to leave home. This pattern of avoiding certain places or
situations is called "agoraphobia." Some children and adolescents with panic
disorder can develop severe depression and may be at risk of suicidal
behavior. As an attempt to decrease anxiety, some adolescents with panic
disorder will use alcohol or drugs.
Panic disorder in children can be difficult to diagnose. This can lead to
many visits to physicians and multiple medical tests which are expensive and
potentially painful. When properly evaluated and diagnosed, panic disorder
usually responds well to treatment. Children and adolescents with symptoms
of panic attacks should first be evaluated by their family physician or
pediatrician. If no other physical illness or condition is found as a cause
for the symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation by a child and adolescent
psychiatrist should be obtained.
Several types of treatment are effective. Specific medications may stop
panic attacks. Psychotherapy may also help the child and family learn ways
to reduce stress or conflict that could otherwise cause a panic attack. With
techniques taught in "cognitive behavioral therapy," the child may also
learn new ways to control anxiety or panic attacks when they occur. Many
children and adolescents with panic disorder respond well to the combination
of medication and psychotherapy. With treatment, the panic attacks can
usually be stopped. Early treatment can prevent the complications of panic
disorder such as agoraphobia, depression and substance abuse.
For more information about panic disorder, contact the National Institute
of Mental Health Panic Campaign, Room 7C-05, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville,
MD, 20857, or call, 1-800-64-PANIC.
The American Academy of
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) represents over 6900 child and
adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians with at least five years of
additional training beyond medical school in general (adult) and child and
adolescent psychiatry.
Free distribution of individual Facts for Families sheets is a public service
of the AACAP Special Friends of Children Fund. Please make a tax-deductible
contribution to the AACAP Special Friends of Children Fund and support this
important public outreach. (AACAP, Special Friends of Children Fund, P.O. Box
96106, Washington, D.C. 20090).
