Condition

Panic Disorder in Children and Teens

A panic attack is defined as an episode of intense fear and anxiety including both physical symptoms and fearful thoughts. Panic disorder is diagnosed when a child has recurring panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks for longer than one month. Children and teens with panic disorder sometimes avoid going places or avoid engaging in activities out of fear that a panic attack might occur. Although individual panic attacks are common, panic attacks that occur repeatedly are rare. They typically happen in only one to three percent of children and teens. Panic disorder usually does not affect children before the teenage years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of panic disorder in children and teens?

These are the most common symptoms of panic disorder in adolescents. Typically, several symptoms are present during a panic attack.

Racing heart or heart palpitations
Choking sensations
Difficulty breathing
Sweating/hot or cold flashes
Trembling
Dizziness
Numbness or tingling in the limbs
Fear of dying or losing control
Feeling as if one is in a dream
Fear of going crazy
Feeling like one needs to “escape”

Panic symptoms often come on quickly (within 10 minutes) and can last for minutes to over an hour before fading away. Panic attacks are sometimes unexpected and feel as if they happen “out of the blue.” Other times, certain things or places can trigger an attack. It is common for children or teens with panic disorder to avoid situations where they believe an attack might occur. In severe cases, avoiding activities or places may result in the child or teen needing a “safety person” to go with them when they leave home. Or they may refuse to leave home altogether.

How is panic disorder diagnosed in children and teens?

How is panic disorder treated in children and teens?

Following a full assessment, a member of the Children’s National care team will discuss treatment options with the child or teen and his or her family. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) and certain types of medicines are helpful in treating panic disorder.

CBT with a therapist may include learning how to control panic symptoms through breathing exercises and relaxation.
Children and teens learn to gradually face situations that cause their anxiety.
Medicines most often used to treat panic disorder are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines affect neurotransmitters (nerve cells in the brain that carry signals) linked to anxiety.

Meet the Providers Who Treat Panic Disorder

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Departments that Treat Panic Disorder

Psychology and Behavioral Health

In the Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, our child psychologists and other mental health professionals work exclusively with children and teens, emphasizing patient and family-focused care.

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children's National offers assessment, diagnosis and care for children and teens with behavioral, emotional and developmental disorders. From a variety of therapy options to medication management and support for the whole family, our healthcare providers offer solutions to children’s mental health issues in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Anxiety Disorders Program

The Anxiety Disorders Program at Children's National Hospital is a specialized treatment clinic devoted to carefully assessing and effectively treating a wide range of anxiety disorders common among children and adolescents.

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