Children And Panic Attacks

When it comes to children and panic attacks, many parents find themselves at a loss. Not only will the child experience physical discomfort and an immense level of fear, it is likely that you will experience fear and uncertainty as well. Just like adults, children may experience the challenge of a panic attack with little to no warning.

Not only are these attacks difficult to contend with, they often have a negative impact on the child's academic progress, their social activities, and even their recreational activities. In this health guide, you will learn about children and panic attacks.

The Symptoms

One of the most important aspects of learning about children and panic attacks is learning the symptoms that are often experienced by the child. By knowing and understanding what will often be experienced and displayed by the child, you will know when an attack is being experienced.

Many parents, teachers, and other adults that encounter a child that is experiencing a panic attack may believe that the symptoms are a result of other physiological and psychological conditions. The following highlights the most common symptoms that are exhibited in children experiencing a panic attack: 

• Many children will experience the sensation that they are short in breath. In some, this symptom will result in bouts of dizziness. Those that have asthma will often start to experience the symptoms associated with this condition.  

• It is often common for children to exhibit their panic attack through various types of fears. These fears may include being afraid to leave the home, becoming afraid of spaces that are dark or confined, and in some cases, they may become fearful of spaces that are open. Many will often develop fears and even phobias that seem uncalled for, but this is all part of the panic disorders that they suffer from.  

• Many children may have such an immense physiological reaction to the panic attacks that they experience that they may experience nausea and even bouts of mild to severe vomiting.  

• There is often a psychological fear that there is something to be scared of, or that they will die. Typically, this fear has no level of rationality. It may result in inappropriate behaviors, or awkward rituals. 

• When it comes to children and panic attacks, it is common to find that the child experiences a heartbeat that is moving rapidly. In some instances, you may notice that the child appears to be psychologically and physiologically distraught and that the rapid heartbeat is accompanied by breathing complications, sweating, and other symptoms that are similar in nature.  

Coping Techniques

If your child is experiencing panic attacks, there are many different coping techniques that you may help them with. First, you should ensure that a medical doctor has diagnosed the condition and is working with your child.

Next, you will want to ensure that your child has a schedule and that their diet is healthy. This could assist in reducing the symptoms associated with the condition. Teaching your child relaxation techniques and how to handle the physical symptoms that they experience will drastically reduce the psychological effects associated with panic attacks.