Children suffer panic attacks just like adults do.
A panic attack can be one of the most stressful and confusing episodes of an adult's life so it is easy to imagine the terror that could exist when panic attacks happen to children.
Adults have trouble explaining their initial experience of the condition and it can be even harder for a teenager to clearly express what has happened to them.
Most likely they aren't even very aware of panic attacks and the symptoms that accompany them.
Unfortunately, a large proportion of children that suffer panic attacks think of themselves in a very negative way and tend not to express their problems or their experiences of the condition.
They may be scared, embarrassed, and living in constant fear of another attack.
These issues can become even worse when they turn to things like drugs and alcohol as a way of averting or ignoring their fears.
Often kids will get into a downward spiral as it is not easy for others, even their parents, to recognize the root of the problem.
These issues could have been avoided if it was possible to identify the problems before they got out of control.
How To Identify The Problem It is not always easy to see problems in children or to notice that something different has happened to them.
You may be aware of a particular event that has created a stressful situation so this might at least make you more aware of what they could be going through.
Remember there only needs to be a single traumatic event to make this feeling explode into a panic attack.
If a child experiences one episode then there is a reasonable chance that these attacks could reoccur.
The potential repercussions, for both the child and the family, are obviously quite devastating.
It is therefore important to be sensitive to how your child may be feeling to ensure that the cycle of fear is broken.
One of the signs of increased anxiety levels in children can be a tendency to cry for no reason or very little obvious reason.
You may also notice a recurrence of sleepless nights and nightmares.
Be on the lookout for any of the obvious symptoms that are linked with panic attacks such as nausea, trembling, pins and needles in their extremities, a shortness of breath or a fear of going mad.
Physical traits can be spotted but behavioral changes can be much trickier to notice.
Look for any behavioral changes as this may indicate the potential of some type of serious underlying problem.
Take notice of any slip in their grades at school or if they do not want to socialize with their friends.
Look for any sudden weight loss that may be caused from a lack of appetite.
It is important to be aware of your child's moods, emotions, and attitudes.
Keep alert to any of the signs of anxiety issues so you are in a position to do something about them.
How to Treat Panic Attacks in Children One of the key elements is communication.
While this is obviously just common sense, it is important to keep in mind so that you can be proactive if an issue arises.
Teenagers are not always great communicators, especially with their parents, so you may have to make a conscious effort to keep the lines of communication open.
If you ever think your child has experienced a panic attack, or they have advised you that this has happened, then it is important that you seek professional help as soon as possible.
While the attack may have been random, and may never happen again, you need to have an expert assess your situation and advise you about specific treatment options.
They may see the need to prescribe some medication, therapy, or probably a combination of both.
Try to learn what you can about panic attacks in children so you are aware of the various treatment options available.
This will allow you to make informed decisions to best help your child.
A panic attack can be one of the most stressful and confusing episodes of an adult's life so it is easy to imagine the terror that could exist when panic attacks happen to children.
Adults have trouble explaining their initial experience of the condition and it can be even harder for a teenager to clearly express what has happened to them.
Most likely they aren't even very aware of panic attacks and the symptoms that accompany them.
Unfortunately, a large proportion of children that suffer panic attacks think of themselves in a very negative way and tend not to express their problems or their experiences of the condition.
They may be scared, embarrassed, and living in constant fear of another attack.
These issues can become even worse when they turn to things like drugs and alcohol as a way of averting or ignoring their fears.
Often kids will get into a downward spiral as it is not easy for others, even their parents, to recognize the root of the problem.
These issues could have been avoided if it was possible to identify the problems before they got out of control.
How To Identify The Problem It is not always easy to see problems in children or to notice that something different has happened to them.
You may be aware of a particular event that has created a stressful situation so this might at least make you more aware of what they could be going through.
Remember there only needs to be a single traumatic event to make this feeling explode into a panic attack.
If a child experiences one episode then there is a reasonable chance that these attacks could reoccur.
The potential repercussions, for both the child and the family, are obviously quite devastating.
It is therefore important to be sensitive to how your child may be feeling to ensure that the cycle of fear is broken.
One of the signs of increased anxiety levels in children can be a tendency to cry for no reason or very little obvious reason.
You may also notice a recurrence of sleepless nights and nightmares.
Be on the lookout for any of the obvious symptoms that are linked with panic attacks such as nausea, trembling, pins and needles in their extremities, a shortness of breath or a fear of going mad.
Physical traits can be spotted but behavioral changes can be much trickier to notice.
Look for any behavioral changes as this may indicate the potential of some type of serious underlying problem.
Take notice of any slip in their grades at school or if they do not want to socialize with their friends.
Look for any sudden weight loss that may be caused from a lack of appetite.
It is important to be aware of your child's moods, emotions, and attitudes.
Keep alert to any of the signs of anxiety issues so you are in a position to do something about them.
How to Treat Panic Attacks in Children One of the key elements is communication.
While this is obviously just common sense, it is important to keep in mind so that you can be proactive if an issue arises.
Teenagers are not always great communicators, especially with their parents, so you may have to make a conscious effort to keep the lines of communication open.
If you ever think your child has experienced a panic attack, or they have advised you that this has happened, then it is important that you seek professional help as soon as possible.
While the attack may have been random, and may never happen again, you need to have an expert assess your situation and advise you about specific treatment options.
They may see the need to prescribe some medication, therapy, or probably a combination of both.
Try to learn what you can about panic attacks in children so you are aware of the various treatment options available.
This will allow you to make informed decisions to best help your child.
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