Panic Disorder
Among Children Ages
6-18
Introduction

Anxiety is one of the most well known
psychiatric problems found in children
through the adolescent years.
 Panic disorder is a type of anxiety illness.
characterized by a series of attacks of anxiety
or terror.
 Attacks last for 15 to 30 minutes.
Somatic and Cognitive Symptoms.

Somatic: shortness of breath, accelerated
heart rate, chest pain, choking sensations,
dizziness, tingling or numbing sensations, hot
or cold flashes, sweating, trembling, and
nausea.
 Cognitive: fear of dying, going crazy, or losing
control.
 Places that often trigger an attack are
crowded malls, theaters, auditoriums,
restaurants, and schools.
Testing





Self-report questionnaires are typically used
The Revised Child Anxiety and depression
scale
The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children
The Fear Survey Schedule for Children
The Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index
Facts

Girls had higher rates of panic disorder then
boys.
 Symptoms of panic disorder decreased as
children became older and younger children
displayed higher levels of anxiety then older
children.
 The most common symptom among all the
children was, trembling, dizziness, pounding
heart, and sweating.
Statistics

16% of children with panic disorder said they
had less social support and more stress and
pressure from the family then children who
did not have the disorder.
 8% and 12% of children admit to having
forms of anxiety.
 35% to 63% of adolescents are said to have
at least one panic attack in their life.
Statistics

Only 2 out of 104 children and adolescents
who had panic attacks sought professional
help.
 3 out of 4 adolescence with panic disorder
reported their first panic attack occurred when
they were younger then twelve.
 18% of adults with panic disorder have
claimed that their first panic attacks started
before age 10 and the peak of extreme panic
was between ages 15-18.
Causes

Children who have the characteristic of being
inhibited and shy have a greater chance of
developing panic disorder.
 Separation anxiety as a toddler could lead to
panic disorder at a later age.
Effects Without Treatment

Panic attacks can get in the way of a child's
or adolescent's relationships, schoolwork,
and normal social development.
 In some severe cases, the child may be too
afraid to leave their house. This pattern of
avoiding certain places or situations is called
agoraphobia.
Treatment

Psychosocial and psychopharmacological
treatments are available.
 Cognitive behavioral programs require five
treatment sessions.
 Anti-anxiety medications are used as well as
antidepressants and heart medications to
control irregular heartbeats.