treatment for panic disorder in children

treatment for panic disorder in children

8 characters of panic disorder in children and adolescents, Algonquin and Lake-in-the-Hills, IL

What is panic disorder? Symptoms are almost the same for children as for adults. Children and adolescents with panic disorder have repeated periods of intense fear and panic that seem come from nowhere and for no reason. Other symptoms include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and sometimes fear becoming crazy. These episodes of symptoms are called panic attacks and may last from minutes to several hours.

In general, occur without warning. Other symptoms include May:

An episode of intense fear that something terrible is happening or will happen,

Heartbeat rapid, intense palpitations, sometimes incorrectly labeled as a heart attack,

Dizziness or vertigo

difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,

Tremors, trembling, feeling of panic

Feelings of loss of contact, a sense of mystery and sense of danger

Fear drop dead, losing control or going crazy.

Over 3 million Americans suffer from panic disorder to a point in their lives. Often begins in adolescence, although sometimes begins in childhood. Genetics may play a role, because sometimes which seems to run in families.

Panic disorder and its symptoms can ruin the very disquieting sense of well-being and quality of life. These predators such attacks may interfere with their child or adolescent relationships, attention and concentration and the ability to be mobile and go in places with friends. Children with panic disorder without treatment may begin to feel nervous or anxious most of the time, even during periods when no symptoms.

Patients often begin to avoid situations where they fear an attack may occur and will not go places where help can be accessed. For example, your child may hesitate to go to school, go to normal social activities or be separated from you.

As symptoms worsen, he or she may even be afraid to leave. Agoraphobia is diagnosed used when a victim of panic disorder feel so afraid of having an anxiety attack in public, he or she does not leave the safety the house.

It is very hard to live: Children with panic disorder may also develop severe depression and may be at risk for suicidal behavior. Even more troubling is that, to decrease anxiety, some adolescents who self-medicate OCD with alcohol or drugs.

Your child will begin lifestyle behind their peers if panic disorder is not recognized and treated. However, it may be difficult to diagnose in children. Unfortunately, this can lead to excessive visits to doctors and several requests for tests that are expensive and sometimes painful.

The good news is, however, that when correctly diagnosed, panic disorder usually responds well to treatment. If one of your children symptoms of panic attacks he or she first should be evaluated by your family doctor or pediatrician. If no physical illness or condition, then you should get a full evaluation of a clinical psychologist or other professional mental health.

There are several treatments that can be used effectively. For example, some drugs can slow or reduce the intensity or frequency panic attacks. Psychotherapy can help your child, you and family members to learn ways to reduce stress or tension that might trigger an attack.

Through cognitive behavioral therapy, your child will be taught new ways to control anxiety or symptoms of panic attack when they occur. Children and adolescents often respond well to a combination of drugs and counseling.

As a parent it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is evaluated properly diagnosed and treated properly. Remember that panic attacks may be treated effectively and early treatment can prevent more serious complications, such as agoraphobia, depression, low self-esteem and addiction.

About the Author

Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo and Lake-in-the-Hills. He’s an expert psychologist. Call 1 847 516 0899 and make an appt orlearn more about counseling at: http://www.carypsychology.com