Panic Disorder - Understanding Different Types of Anxiety
Anxiety in children usually starts small. For example, they don't want to go to school. Then, they wear loose clothes and avoid exercise or any activity that activates the body.
Sometimes, they would complain about experiencing hot flashes, shortness of breath, and chest pains.
How anxiety impacts kids can be different, but these physical symptoms are criteria for panic disorder. It is among the seven most common types of anxiety in young children.
An early diagnosis of panic disorder is essential to prevent further anxiety or physical health issues.
Parents of kids with panic disorder must seek medical care and a treatment plan immediately. It is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis, as a panic disorder can be misdiagnosed and mistreated.
What is Panic Disorder?
What does a panic attack look like? Psychologists define panic disorder as an intense and sudden episode of fear, terror, or anxiety, including physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and chills.
People with panic disorder often experience anticipatory anxiety—anxiety about future attacks—and worry excessively about the implications or consequences of an attack.
Panic attacks are generally acute and fleeting, though they may also have a cumulative effect, leading to longer episodes. On average, a panic attack typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.
However, some individuals have reported panic attacks lasting up to an hour.
It is essential to recognize that panic attacks can vary in length depending on the child's overall mental health at the time of occurrence and the severity of their experience during these events.
How Does Panic Disorder Impact Kids' Lives?
From medical conditions to mental disorders, children's anxiety is heartbreaking to watch. It is harder for kids to understand why they feel intense fear and worry over stressful life events.
Furthermore, not only do they tend to avoid social situations, but they can also isolate themselves from their family. It can impact their school performance, social relationships, and physical health.
See below for some of the ways panic disorder impacts a kid's life:
Day-to-day impact on kids
School can be a trigger, especially if the student is afraid of being judged or having to talk in front of the class. This can make kids not want to attend school, which may lead to adulthood work issues if not dealt with properly.
Children may also feel alone because they are too scared to go out with friends or do things that require them to leave the house. This can lower self-esteem, worsening anxiety and panic.
Trying to avoid these situations can make it hard for them to do their jobs and enjoy life. Parents need to know how to spot the signs of panic disorder in their children so that help can be given early and the child's life doesn't worsen.
Long-term impacts on kids
The long-term impacts of panic disorder on children can be devastating. The condition can become more severe without proper treatment and may interfere with a child's development.
Some people are at greater risk of developing other anxiety disorders, such as agoraphobia or social phobia.
Additionally, they may experience difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with others. Think about what could happen if you can't be there for them anymore.
How Panic Disorder Changes Over Time
The child's quality of life is impacted by whether or not they receive treatment.
From professional psychological treatments to teaching kids simple breathing exercises, minor steps can make a huge impact.
As your child learns to cope with their symptoms, they may experience different levels of intensity and frequency.
For example, a child who has panic attacks often may find that they happen less often as they get better at managing their anxiety.
Also, the fear that comes with these attacks might get easier to deal with as the child learns to recognize triggers and deal with them more healthily.
On the other hand, those with chronic anxiety disorders may find that their symptoms worsen over time if left untreated or if treatment is not managed correctly.
Can Kids Grow Out of Panic Disorder?
Yes, a panic disorder in children is treatable, and many of those affected can learn to manage their symptoms and lead healthy, successful lives.
Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination.
Please find the best strategies to help your kids straight from our founder and child psychologist, Dr Louise Metcalf.
Gheorg: Helping Your Child Cope with Anxiety
Our robot companion, Gheorg, encourages kids to log in daily and talk about how they're feeling (both the good and the bad).
Put another way; this helps anxious children feel more comfortable disclosing their deepest emotions.
Gheorg makes it enjoyable for children to get the understanding, tools, and information they need to manage their emotions and stress.
Learn about how it works here. Or download it today on the Google Play Store or App Store to try it yourself.
Designed by a psychologist and 1,000+ kids
Meet Gheorg, a friendly robot designed to help 7-12 year old kids to improve their emotional intelligence and mental wellbeing.