Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Panic Disorder in Children and Adolescents
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 smothering
- trembling or shaking
- sense of unreality
- fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy.
More than 3 million Americans will experience panic disorder
during their lifetimes. Panic disorder often begins during
adolescence, although it may start during childhood. It
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 use alcohol or
drugs.
Panic disorder in children can be hard 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
physician. If no other physical illness or condition is
found as a cause for the symptoms, a comprehensive
evaluation by a mental health professional 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:
National Institute of Mental Health Panic Campaign
Room 7C-05
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
1-800-64-PANIC
|