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.

At Children’s National Hospital, child psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals may interview the child or teen and his or her parents. We may have the patient and family fill out questionnaires about different aspects of the child’s or teen’s life, including physical health concerns, difficulties at school, or behavior with friends and family.

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.