I think my child is having panic attacks. What should we do?

I think my child is having panic attacks. What should we do?

What does a panic attack look like in a child?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense feeling of fear or discomfort associated with four or more of the following symptoms:

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• Feeling very hot or cold
• Racing heart
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the throat or chest
• Sweating
• Tingling sensations
• Light-headedness

Panic attacks in children can last from a few minutes to 30 minutes. Some children describe a panic attack as feeling like they are trapped or in danger, that something terrible is happening to them, they are losing control of their body, having a heart attack, or even dying.

How common are panic attacks and at what age might they start?

There is a common myth that panic attacks only occur in teenagers or adults, but research shows this is not the case. Although less frequent than in teenagers, panic attacks also occur in children. Studies indicate around 3-5% of children experience panic attacks. They can begin at any age, although they typically first occur in children and adolescents between the ages of five and 18.

What causes a panic attack?

For some children, panic attacks can happen unexpectedly and without cause. These are known as “uncued” panic attacks. For other children, panic attacks may be cued. This means they occur in specific situations that are anxiety-provoking, such as separating from a caregiver or doing a speech in class. Cued panic attacks tend to be more common in children than uncued panic attacks.

Sometimes a panic attack can occur when a child’s physical symptoms (from feeling anxious) become the centre of their attention. For example, if a child notices a physical symptom (such as shortness of breath) and becomes worried about it, this can make them feel anxious, leading to more anxiety or a panic attack.

What can parents do in the moment to support their child?

If your child is breathing very quickly or hyperventilating, try to remain calm and encourage them to breathe normally. Tell your child these feelings are temporary and not dangerous. Focusing your child’s attention on their rapid breathing or other symptoms can sometimes make things worse. Try to help your child focus on something else, using the 3-3-3 rule: “Tell me three things you can hear, three things you can see, and three things you can touch”. Ask them to say these out loud.

What about afterwards?

When your child’s panic attack is over, you can teach them about panic attacks. Explain that panic attacks are common and aren’t dangerous, even though they can feel scary and uncomfortable, and are a temporary sensation. An effective strategy for panic attacks is a technique from cognitive behavioural therapy called “exposure”, which encourages children to face their fears. For panic attacks, this could be facing certain situations or objects that trigger the panic attack, or exposure to the actual physical symptoms.

Does having a panic attack mean my child has an anxiety disorder?

If your child has a panic attack, it does not mean they have an anxiety disorder. Panic attacks can occur in all children with or without anxiety disorders or mental health conditions. However, panic attacks often occur in children with anxiety disorders or other mental disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Where can I look for help?

If you are concerned your child has an anxiety disorder, speak to your GP or a psychologist about it. You don’t need a GP referral to see a psychologist, but a GP can create a mental health treatment plan which allows you to claim a Medicare rebate for up to ten sessions. There are also a range of online resources available.

Conclusion

Panic attacks in children can be a distressing experience for both the child and their parents. By understanding what a panic attack looks like, how common they are, and what causes them, parents can better support their child in the moment and afterwards. It is important to note that having a panic attack does not necessarily mean your child has an anxiety disorder, but it can be a sign of underlying anxiety or other mental health conditions.

FAQs

Q: What are the symptoms of a panic attack in a child?
A: The symptoms of a panic attack in a child include feeling very hot or cold, racing heart, shortness of breath, tightness in the throat or chest, sweating, tingling sensations, and light-headedness.

Q: How common are panic attacks in children?
A: Panic attacks are not as common in children as they are in teenagers and adults, but they do occur. Studies indicate around 3-5% of children experience panic attacks.

Q: What causes a panic attack in a child?
A: Panic attacks in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including uncertainty or unpredictability, separation from a caregiver, or a specific situation or object that triggers anxiety.

Q: What can parents do in the moment to support their child during a panic attack?
A: Parents can try to remain calm, encourage their child to breathe normally, and focus their child’s attention on something else, such as the 3-3-3 rule.

Q: What is exposure therapy and how can it help my child with panic attacks?
A: Exposure therapy is a technique from cognitive behavioural therapy that encourages children to face their fears. For panic attacks, this could be facing certain situations or objects that trigger the panic attack, or exposure to the actual physical symptoms.

Q: Should I see a psychologist or a doctor if my child is having panic attacks?
A: If you are concerned your child has an anxiety disorder, speak to your GP or a psychologist about it. They can help you develop a plan to support your child and address any underlying anxiety or mental health conditions.