Support with Child and Teenage Panic Issues
Panic attacks and anxiety issues can develop at any age, though it can often emerge in teenagers and young adults and it can cause unexpected periods of intense fear and anxiety in response to a situation or trigger that may not easily be apparent.
If you think your child is struggling with Panic Issues or a Panic Disorder we will be able to help you by providing professional treatment and support.
Our team of Paediatric specialists understand Panic Disorder and issues with anxiety and will be able to help your child overcome this problem and provide support for your family to manage the situation effectively.
It is important to seek proper professional help as medical problems (such as diabetes, inner-ear disorders, or thyroid problems), excessive caffeine use which is found in many fizzy drinks, or adverse reaction to medication (such as asthma medications) may be playing a role in your child's anxiety or panic-like reactions.
Call us on 0203 326 9160 to discuss your situation and arrange a private appointment with one of our team.
Treatment for Panic attacks and Panic Disorder in Children
Clinical Partners has an experienced team of child Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists and family counsellors, Educational Psychologists who are able to help with a wide range of panic issues in children.
We are able to help your child with the panic issue as well as provide support and advice for the family to help them support their child.
Our Educational Psychologists are also able to help if the Panic attacks have disrupted your child's learning and development. They are also able to work with your school in order to ensure the right support is provided if necessary.
If you are concerned call us on 0203 326 9160 to arrange a private consultation.
The signs of a Panic Disorder in Children – what to look out for
Panic attacks in children are fairly common, and having one does not mean that your child has panic disorder. Panic attacks become a problem when someone worries about having more attacks, or fears something bad will happen because of a panic attack.
- When a child or teenager has a panic attack they may become suddenly very frightened or upset for no apparent reason. They might feel like something is wrong or that something bad may happen; but often they may not able to identify exactly what is going to happen.
- They may have stopped participating in activities that they think could lead to panic attacks, such as driving through a tunnel, entering crowded places, or participating in physical activities (e.g., running). They may also refuse to attend school or participate in hobbies and interests.
- They may do things to try and make themselves feel safer, such as traveling with someone they trust, staying where others can see them, or carrying something with them (such as a mobile or water bottle).
- Younger children may have trouble describing their symptoms and are more likely to talk about the physical issues – upset stomach, chest pain, feeling sick, racing heart – rather than the emotional feelings of the fear and "going crazy".
- Children will often experience the symptoms at home rather than at school – this is often because they are embarrassed in public and the need to hide their symptoms at home is less.
The symptoms of a Panic Attack in Children and Teenagers
- increased heart rate
- sweating
- trembling or shaking
- shortness of breath
- a "choking" feeling
- chest pain or discomfort
- upset stomach
- feeling dizzy or faint
- a feeling of losing control or "going crazy"
- an "I'm going to die" feeling
- numbness
- chills or hot flashes
Experiencing four or more of these symptoms in a single episode is referred to as a panic attack. While panic attack symptoms can last for several hours at a time, they usually peak and then subside after 10 minutes.