What is it about ?
Panic disorder is a form of anxiety disorder in which the panic attack is the main characteristic: the child suddenly feels bad or has feelings of anxiety or panic. Complaints can be very diverse; they range from shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest to palpitations, tremors, tingling and dizziness.
Anxiety and panic are normal reactions in some situations. They become abnormal when they have an impact on the daily life of the child and the anxiety is out of proportion to the circumstances. When we have panic disorder, we are, after a first attack, always afraid of having a new attack. Result: we will do everything to prevent the situation from happening again (avoidance behavior). Ultimately, this attitude has a detrimental effect on the child’s functioning and quality of life.
Often the reason or cause of the problem is not very clear. There may be a hereditary factor that explains it. Usually, there is a triggering factor before the panic attack at a young age, such as the death of a loved one or family member, divorce, illness, bullying at school, etc. Children who fear separation are more likely to develop panic disorder later on.
What is its frequency?
More than 1 in 10 children have symptoms of an anxiety disorder. According to some studies, about 2 to 8 in 100 children of school age suffer from school phobia. Symptoms are more common as the child gets older.
How to recognize it?
Panic disorder usually first occurs between the ages of 5 and 10. The symptoms can be very varied. But usually an overreaction of the nervous system is observed with the following symptoms:
- Palpitations,
- General weakness,
- Tremors,
- Feeling like you’re about to die, to go crazy,
- Breathless,
- Dizziness
- Feeling of tightness and pain in the chest,
- Tingling sensation in the fingers and face,
- Feeling of suffocation,
- Sweat,
- Hot and cold flashes,
- Blurred vision.
How is the diagnosis made?
Depending on what he observes and the evolution of symptoms, the doctor will quickly get an idea of the diagnosis. But since the symptoms are particularly atypical and can occur in several conditions, he will often need to be examined. These tests will definitely rule out other conditions, such as abnormal activity of the thyroid gland, asthma, heart disease, etc.
What can you do ?
If you think your child has panic disorder, first discuss the topic with him. You can already reassure your child by explaining the nature of the complaints.
Also talk to teachers at school so they know how to react.
Avoid coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks like cola and Red Bull because they can trigger panic attack-like symptoms (eg palpitations).
What can your doctor do?
The doctor will most often refer you to a child psychiatrist to make the correct diagnosis. Treatment consists of psychological support, usually cognitive behavioral therapy. Medicines are rarely needed and only the specialist can start this kind of treatment. If the symptoms are too severe or are likely to become chronic, the doctor may consider taking antidepressants.
Want to know more?
- Anxiety in Children Under 5 – Born and Growing
- Anxiety in Children 5 Years and Older – Born and Growing
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Find a therapist – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
- Find a psychologist – Commission des psychologues
- Mental Health Services – The Social Guide
- PMS Center – Wallonia-Brussels Federation
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