Panic attacks in children

Panic attack (PA) is called an attack of panic or severe fear, which is accompanied by various autonomic symptoms. The appearance of PA can be caused by stress in children or by some provoking factor. When choosing a course of treatment, the doctor takes into account the symptoms of PA and concomitant diseases diagnosed in the child.  

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with anxiety

  • panic or extreme fear;
  • muscle tension;
  • discomfort, discomfort, chest pain.

Vegetative symptoms

  • increased heart rate;
  • a feeling of suffocation or lack of air;
  • nausea;
  • sweating;
  • increased blood pressure;
  • chills, shivering.

Other symptoms

  • dizziness;
  • light-headedness;
  • tinnitus;
  • numbness, etc.

Panic reasons

In today’s world, the child is under tremendous pressure in many aspects of his life. Even in early school age, children face competition to be more popular and physically attractive. If the child does not succeed in something, there is a fear of ridicule and misunderstanding. It is childhood fears that often underlie panic attacks. In addition, the child is sensitive to any family problems. They can affect the harmonious development of the baby. Often, children experience fear in a school setting, which is why they withdraw into themselves, cannot establish contact with classmates, and become inattentive. This leads not only to a deterioration in relations with others, but also to a decrease in academic performance. If you notice that your child is worried about something, try to talk to him about this topic, find out the reason. The tension and fear will begin to increase if the toddler hides his emotions.  

Treating panic attacks

What parents can do

When PA appears, the child feels unprotected and vulnerable. Try to give him more attention and support him. A calm, homely atmosphere is especially important for these children. Try to come up with a common hobby, the main thing is to be near the child. If he feels trust in you, he will be able to talk about his fears.

What a doctor can do

In some cases, it is advisable to contact a child psychotherapist. The doctor will help establish the causes of panic attacks and identify the provoking factor. The psychotherapist will tell you how to behave when a child suddenly has PA, how to communicate with such children. After making an accurate diagnosis and identifying concomitant diseases, the doctor can prescribe a course of treatment. Taking medications in this case is aimed at blocking PA, reducing anxiety, eliminating autonomic symptoms and interrupting seizures. The most effective is a combination treatment that combines psychotherapy with the use of drugs.

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