When Children and Panic Attacks Collide
A panic attack in children is a growing problem in today's youth. Changes in environment, eating habits, activity levels and societal norms may all account for some of the changes. One thing is clear, higher and higher levels of panic attacks in children are occurring each year.
Effects of a Panic Attack in Children
Children who experience panic attacks often have more problems to deal with than their adult counterparts. Children are faced with peers daily at school. Which is enough, in and of itself, to cause a panic attack. Taunting, low self esteem, and low self confidence, can all cause a child to have consistent panic attacks. these attacks are often reported by teachers or other school officials and can have a negative effect on the child's school work and peer to peer interaction.
The first line of defense against panic attacks in children is education. Teaching children to deal with their peers and their anxiety levels at school helps to calm the source of the panic. Children should learn how to deal with peer interaction in a positive and healthful manner. If the problem persists and a natural calm can not be restored, changing classes, seating arrangements or home schooling may effectively take away the source of the anxiety until further treatment can be rendered.
Children can also use a more natural form of treatment at home for panic attacks. A few natural treatments include deep breathing, self time outs and yoga or meditation. Natural remedies for a panic attack in children are much safer on the child's body than the prescription alternative. The key to the effectiveness of at home, natural treatment is the understanding of others in the home. Panic attacks are not something that can be controlled 100%, they need to be dealt with on a case by case basis.
When all natural treatments have been exhausted to no avail, medicinal treatments may be able to offer help. All treatments for panic attacks in children should be prescribed by the hand of a licensed physician. The physician will collect data about the panic disorder and prescribe the appropriate medication for the specific panic related symptoms being exhibited.
Children who suffer from panic attacks should be seen by a physician or psychologist at the earliest possible time. While feeling anxiety occasionally is normal in all children, true forms of panic attack in children can lead to more dangerous disorders and outcomes if left untreated.
