If you need to understand how to recognize panic attacks in children then this article will show you the top 3 signs.
An episode can be terrifying for everyone! But once understood, then an appropriate response from adults can be formulated.
Panic attacks in children can be dismissed as simply not possible by those who cling to the myth that childhood is an idyllic time of freedom from adult worries.
Often the signs and symptoms are misinterpreted as acting out, even bringing punishment.
The underlying causes then must be addressed.
So what are these top 3 signs? 1) Panic attack symptoms in children and adults feel the same.
Depending on your child's age, he or she may not be able to communicate what they are experiencing.
So first understand the symptoms as adults describe them:
She may shake, be short of breath, and complain of a stomach ache.
If your child is not talking yet, she may have a sudden meltdown, a temper tantrum triggered by a small event.
Keep a diary of behaviors during an episode, how long they last, how often, and the circumstances when they occur.
Present this to your doctor to help with accurate assessment.
2) The presence of potential causes.
Children's lives today can sadly be far from idyllic.
Any of the following can lead to panic attacks in children: a pending divorce; problems at home; intense sibling rivalry; illness in the family; an over-demanding teacher, social or academic problems in school; bullying by other children.
These can pile up and lead to stresses your child is not able to verbalize, so the pressure builds toward a panic attack.
3) Specific behaviors.
These may indicate your child is progressing toward a panic attack.
Separation anxiety can show up as the onset of a stomach ache before school.
There may be sudden and unreasonable eruptions of violence, sadness or anger.
You may observe a loss of appetite, sleeping too little or too much, or craving of extra attention.
Anxiety over attending school might be from fear of losing control while there.
If these 3 signs are present, then your child may be suffering panic attacks.
You can help your child by staying calm when they occur.
Try to not react to what they do or say, understanding your child is in an extreme state that will pass.
If they are thrashing about, restrain them lovingly so they do not harm themselves or anyone else.
Reassure them they are safe and loved.
Take your diary to your doctor to get a clear diagnosis.
Then arm yourself with information and techniques to help your child get through and overcome these terrifying events, and know they are going to be okay, and they ARE okay!
An episode can be terrifying for everyone! But once understood, then an appropriate response from adults can be formulated.
Panic attacks in children can be dismissed as simply not possible by those who cling to the myth that childhood is an idyllic time of freedom from adult worries.
Often the signs and symptoms are misinterpreted as acting out, even bringing punishment.
The underlying causes then must be addressed.
So what are these top 3 signs? 1) Panic attack symptoms in children and adults feel the same.
Depending on your child's age, he or she may not be able to communicate what they are experiencing.
So first understand the symptoms as adults describe them:
- a feeling of unreality
- trembling or shaking that cannot be stopped
- headaches or feeling dizzy
- feeling of smothering, difficulty getting a breath
- nausea or diarrhea
- fear of great intensity
- abdomen and/or chest feel constricted
- racing heart
- a sense of impending doom, or losing control or one's mind
She may shake, be short of breath, and complain of a stomach ache.
If your child is not talking yet, she may have a sudden meltdown, a temper tantrum triggered by a small event.
Keep a diary of behaviors during an episode, how long they last, how often, and the circumstances when they occur.
Present this to your doctor to help with accurate assessment.
2) The presence of potential causes.
Children's lives today can sadly be far from idyllic.
Any of the following can lead to panic attacks in children: a pending divorce; problems at home; intense sibling rivalry; illness in the family; an over-demanding teacher, social or academic problems in school; bullying by other children.
These can pile up and lead to stresses your child is not able to verbalize, so the pressure builds toward a panic attack.
3) Specific behaviors.
These may indicate your child is progressing toward a panic attack.
Separation anxiety can show up as the onset of a stomach ache before school.
There may be sudden and unreasonable eruptions of violence, sadness or anger.
You may observe a loss of appetite, sleeping too little or too much, or craving of extra attention.
Anxiety over attending school might be from fear of losing control while there.
If these 3 signs are present, then your child may be suffering panic attacks.
You can help your child by staying calm when they occur.
Try to not react to what they do or say, understanding your child is in an extreme state that will pass.
If they are thrashing about, restrain them lovingly so they do not harm themselves or anyone else.
Reassure them they are safe and loved.
Take your diary to your doctor to get a clear diagnosis.
Then arm yourself with information and techniques to help your child get through and overcome these terrifying events, and know they are going to be okay, and they ARE okay!