What Are Panic Attacks in Children?
Panic attacks are defined as a sudden feeling of intense fear and terror that comes on strongly, accompanied by physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. Children can also experience panic attacks, which can be terrifying not only for them but also for their parents and even healthcare providers. These episodes often begin very suddenly but may be triggered by a stressful event such as public speaking or exposure to something the child fears.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
A child may experience panic attack symptoms very quickly. They may occur suddenly or be triggered by something specific. Common symptoms of panic attacks in children include:
- Feeling like choking
- Dizziness or fainting
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills, cold sensations, or hot flashes
- Sweating
- Feeling disconnected from the body
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Fear of going crazy
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
- Desire to escape
Diagnosing Panic Attacks in Children
Diagnosis is done by a healthcare provider, who will ask whether the panic attacks are limiting the child’s daily activities. They will also ask parents about any current medications and may conduct tests to rule out medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms. If the child has experienced only one panic attack, treatment may not be necessary.
Treatment of Panic Attacks in Children
Treatment for panic attacks in children may include the following:
- Medications: Some medications can be prescribed by a doctor to help the child relax or reduce the anxiety that causes panic attacks. These are usually used alongside other treatments.
- Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy can help children learn how their bodies respond to difficult situations. They also learn techniques for relaxing their muscles and breathing slowly during a panic attack.
- Exposure Therapy: This type of therapy involves gradually exposing the child to specific triggers to help change their reaction over time.
Effective Tips for Helping a Child With Panic Attacks
Here are some helpful tips for supporting a child who experiences panic attacks:
- Increase your child’s awareness of panic attacks.
- Encourage your child to face their fears.
- Never downplay your child’s suffering.
- Help them learn and practice breathing and muscle relaxation exercises.
- Stay calm when your child is having a panic attack.
- Discuss your child’s negative thoughts and encourage positive thinking.
- Help them redirect their focus to other things.
- Teach your child how to ask for help.
- Art therapy can be very beneficial in such cases.
- Help your child build an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Always remind your child that panic attacks will eventually end.
