Symptoms Of Panic Attacks In Children

There is usually little use in asking a child if he or she is suffering from a panic attack. The stresses on young children today are greater than ever and the incidence of panic attacks in children is growing every day. Panic attacks in children are often more serious than those in adults as children are unable to understand what is happening to them. In the case of very young children, older siblings are often in a better position to spot the panic attacks in children and need to be sensitized to the problem if it is felt that a young child in the family is suffering from this condition. Before going into the common symptoms of panic attacks in children it must be kept in mind that there are no set rules that define panic attacks and that what follows are only general guidelines. Once a condition is diagnosed, treatment should be started immediately.


Among the most common symptoms of panic attacks in children are crying all the time, fits of crying without any apparent reason, spasms or  trembling or shaking- either of just one limb or of the whole body, needless sweating, a feeling of choking or of being unable to breathe. Nausea and actual vomiting also frequently accompany panic attacks in children.The shortness of breath and the feeling of being unable to breathe that is a common symptom of panic attacks in children is often mistaken for an asthma attack and so the right treatment is not given. The first option is what is called Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT).In this case the child is helped to understand the causes of the panic attacks. Also keep an eye open for any signs that the child feels that he or she is losing their mental control. This treatment could also include forming a family support group. The other form of treatment, which is related to CBT, is Confrontation Therapy wherein the child is made to confront the fears that bring on these panic attacks in children. Keep an eye open for signs of being easily startled, low attention span and insomnia. As the child matures, the panic attacks in children are often left behind.


Genetics often plays a major role in panic attacks in children. Recent studies show that about half of what are known as panic attack children have a close relative (parents, siblings, cousins, uncle and aunts) who suffer from this problem. This could result in the creation of an environment where the child is faced with stresses which find an outlet in copying the behavior of others who have panic attacks. Once you find symptoms of panic attacks, try and talk to the child about his or her fears. When stressed the body releases a variety of chemicals to deal with the situation. In the case of panic attack children, hereditary metabolic imbalances can lead to chemicals which enhance the fear and uncertainty being produced.