Panic Attacks In Children

Panic attacks in children – are they just another symptom of modern life, or is there something we can do about them?

Let's face it, our childhood is usually supposed to be one of the most carefree, fun and enjoyable times of our lives, and until fairly recently, I think that was true for the majority of kids. These days however, peer pressure, parents and society in general place a tremendous amount of pressure on our kids, right from the beginning.

Panic attacks in children should be prevented rather than cured

A child today has a lot of pressure to be "successful", whether it's at school, on the sports field, or at home. There's often discrimination and bullying to cope with, and learning to cope on their own from an early age because parents are more worried about their careers.

In addition to all these factors, children might also have to cope with deaths in the family, divorce, splitting up of parents, sexual abuse, unfair demands and pressure from their siblings, and the usual family quarrels in their own homes.

You'll probably agree prevention is going to be better than a cure. However, first and foremost you need to identify if your child is suffering from panic attacks. And to be able to do this, you need to have a good relationship with your child.

Make an effort to share their activities and thoughts, and watch their daily behaviour closely. Anxiety is fairly easy to spot if you're paying attention and this will always be the first rung on the ladder to preventing panic attacks in children.

Panic attack symptoms to watch out for in your child

Keep an eye out for things such as changes in sleeping patters, loss of appetite, mood swings, unreasonable anger or frustration, tearfulness, violence and anti-social behaviour. Any of these could point towards a building up of anxiety and stress which may bring about panic attacks in children.

Unsurprisingly, closeness and a display of love helps a great deal in dispelling panic attacks in children. But, if you find that the panic attacks are still happening despite the attention you are giving your child, it would be sensible to consult your doctor. They may consider that medication is appropriate.

If you're unhappy with that, you may want to look at natural remedies for the anxiety and panic attacks. Again, your doctor may be able to recommend any suitable cures – they will have experience of what has been effective in preventing panic attacks in children.

Regardless of all the treatment, medication and theories that hope to alleviate, cure or prevent panic attacks in children, the most important aspect is always the involvement and love of the parent in their child's life. Children require emotional support much more than physical support, and any problems in this area will inevitably lead to further problems around security, anxiety and possible panic attacks.