Panic attacks in children are common, but it is a treatable condition (1). Physical symptoms such as increased heartbeat and breathing difficulty with sudden episodes of fear can be seen during panic attacks. However, there won’t be any real factors causing this fear in most cases, and it may start without any alarming signs. Panic attacks may last for a few minutes to hours in children, and it is recommended to seek medical care to initiate psychotherapies from early stages. Read on to know the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment of panic attacks in children.

Symptoms Of Panic Attack In Children

A panic attack usually starts suddenly without any alarming signs or symptoms. These episodes can happen during night or day time. Some children may have frequent attacks, while others may have occasional episodes. Signs and symptoms associated with a panic attack may include (2): Symptoms may last for a few minutes, and children may feel tired or often sleep after the symptoms disappear. Children may behave detached from reality and often say they feel like they are going to die or going crazy. The child may start avoiding factors and situations that cause panic. Beside the dramatic clinical presentation, panic attacks do not usually require medical emergency visit. However, if left untreated, children with panic disorders may have reclusive behavior and may not want to go to school or meet people. If your child has panic attacks often, then make an appointment with a pediatrician or family physician. It is important to visit the doctor for a proper diagnosis (1).

Causes Of Panic Attacks In Children

The exact cause of panic attacks or panic disorders is not known. The following factors may have a role in the development of panic disorders (3).

Genetics Stress Changes in brain functions

The nature or temperament of a child may also play an important role in the development of panic and anxiety disorders. Children who are more sensitive to stress and negative emotions may have an increased risk for panic disorders. A few children may have panic reactions triggered by certain emotional stress situations such as school homework, fear of punishment from parents or teachers, etc.

Diagnosis Of Panic Attack In Children

You have to explain in detail the panic episodes of the child. Doctors may ask a few questions to identify any triggers or phobia related to panic attacks. They may also perform a physical examination and order some tests to exclude medical conditions that may resemble a panic attack (4). If there is no evidence of other physical illnesses, then your doctor may refer your child to a psychiatrist. A detailed analysis by a psychiatrist could help diagnose the mental health disorders that led to the panic attacks. Mental health disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or social anxiety disorder, are a few examples of conditions that may cause panic attacks. 

Treatment For Panic Attack In Children

Panic attacks in children and adolescents may be treated with medications and behavioral therapy.

Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is a class of antidepressant drugs that is often the preferred choice of treatment. Benzodiazepine is another group of drugs used. However, they can cause sedation and drowsiness (5) and hence may not be the preferred choice of treatment for children. The doctor will decide the drug and make a long-term or short-term prescription based on the age of the child, severity of the panic attack, and its recurrence.

Behavior therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapies aim to make children understand the realistic and unrealistic thoughts that lead to panic attacks. It could help them overcome their fears. Play therapy or talk therapy can be useful in overcoming anxieties in childhood (4).

Children with recurrent and more frequent episodes may require initiation of drug therapy before behavioral therapies.

Natural Remedy For Anxiety In Children

Children benefit from behavioral therapies and medical treatment from experts more than natural remedies. Support and encouragement of parents and caregivers are required for better results. Parents can work towards avoiding any panic attack triggers. The following lifestyle modifications and home care can also help deal with the symptoms of a panic attack in children.

Relaxation techniques: You may teach some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga to your child. These may minimize stress and help the child stay calm.

Physical activity: Encourage your child to involve themselves in sports and activities, such as dance and martial arts. Exercises can help reduce stress.

Sufficient sleep: Good deep sleep is important for physical and mental well being.

You may also join some support groups of parents dealing with panic attacks in children. This may help you manage stress and other difficulties caused by your child’s condition. Herbal supplements and dietary supplements for the treatment of panic disorders are not monitored by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you want to use such products, then consult a pediatrician for advice on their safety and efficacy.

Types Of Anxiety Attacks In Child

The following are the common types of panic attacks based on their causes (6) (7) (8). Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. There are many other types of anxiety disorders in childhood, closely associated with panic disorders (9). Panic attacks and anxiety attacks may have similar symptoms. However, anxiety is excessive worrying about certain imminent events such as illness, academic scores, exams, being late to school, homework, etc. Excessive anxiety may cause anxiety attacks, including physical symptoms of restlessness, tiredness, lack of sleep, or often try to avoid situations. This may last longer or can be chronic.

Panic Attacks In Children At Night

Panic attacks during nights are called nocturnal panic attacks. It is the sudden awakening from sleep with fear and physical symptoms without real triggers of fear (10). Children with nocturnal panic attacks may also have day time episodes. Symptoms are also similar to attacks that occur during the day. Panic episodes at night may last for a few minutes, but a child may require time to calm down and go back to sleep. Nocturnal panic attacks are neither dangerous nor require emergency treatment. You may make sure that there are no physical reasons that could cause a panic attack in the night. If you suspect the child has some problem, then seek prompt medical care.

Risks And Complications Of Panic Attack In Children

Panic disorders can occur in children but can be more common during teenage and adulthood.  There are some other factors, as well, that can increase the risk of panic attacks among children.

Panic attacks or panic disorders in family members and close relatives Death or illness of parents, siblings, caregivers, or anyone close to them Separation from both parents or one parent due to divorce or other reasons Physical or sexual abuse Physical trauma

Arguments among parents and the birth of new siblings are some of the reasons that can make a child feel ignored, thus increasing the risk of panic attacks. If left untreated, panic attacks may lead to certain complications such as (1):

Depression Anxiety disorders Suicidal thoughts and suicide Alcohol abuse Substance abuse

References:

8 Common Child Behavior Problems And Solutions 13 Tips To Understand Your Child’s Psychology Better Cognitive Development In Children: Stages And Activities How To Develop Positive Thinking & Attitude In Kids?