| It is an unfortunate reality that panic and anxiety | | | | - Tightness in chest and/or abdomen. |
| attacks occur in children. It is so heartbreaking because | | | | - Nausea. |
| children are so young and defenseless. Most of the | | | | - Dizziness or headaches. |
| time it goes untreated because most adults believe | | | | - Shortness of breath or a smothering sensation. |
| that children bear no responsibility (i.e. paying bills, going | | | | - Uncontrollable shaking or trembling |
| to work etc.) and thus should not be developing any | | | | - Sense of unreality. |
| stress. Nothing could be further from the truth. | | | | In children or adolescents anxiety attacks can interfere |
| Before panic attacks in children and adolescents is | | | | with the ability to make relationships, schoolwork & |
| discussed. A panic attack itself must first be identified | | | | normal healthy development. For some children it |
| and defined. From the American Academy of Child | | | | becomes so severe that they avoid certain situations |
| and Adolescent Psychiatry panic attacks are | | | | for fear that a panic attack might occur. These |
| described as repeated periods of intense fear and/or | | | | situations typically include going to school or being |
| discomfort along with an increased heartbeat and | | | | separated from their parents. In extreme cases, the |
| shortness of breath. These periods are called panic | | | | child may not want to leave home. If untreated, some |
| attacks and can last anywhere between a few | | | | children or adolescents may start to exhibit |
| minutes to several hours. Panic attacks generally | | | | self-destructive or suicidal behaviors. |
| develop without any warning. A more complete list of | | | | The good news though is that children and |
| panic attack symptoms are: | | | | adolescents typically respond well to treatment for |
| - Intense fear (of dying, losing control or losing your | | | | panic or anxiety disorder. |
| mind). | | | | |