Can Children Suffer from Panic Disorder?
September 3rd, 2010
Panic attacks in children are unfortunately more common that you’d think. Children aren’t as able to communicate their symptoms and experience as an adult can and so often a child may suffer from panic disorder for quite some time before being diagnosed. That is why it is important for parents to know what to look for so they can recognize the signs if their child is suffering from this disorder.
Pressure on children seems to be much higher these days as life is so fast and always on the go. Children are also pressured with sports, their appearance, grades at school and many other stressful situations.
Children today are highly competitive and this can cause a lot of stress in some children.
Then we have the difficult family situations that many children face with the divorce rate being higher than ever there are more and more children going through the turbulent times of families falling apart.
Unfortunately there is also a much bigger drug problem in the world these days and many children are victims of abuse as a result. Hundreds of children are put into foster care at an early age due to drug abuse by their parents.
The stress that children are faced with is incredible and many children feel that they can’t express their feelings. They keep their stress and anxiety hidden inside and as a result it builds up and can lead to the beginning of panic disorder.
When a child has a panic attack is would be extremely scary for them but they can find it very difficult to explain their pain and fear. Some children are scared to show their emotions for fear of ridicule. Some children just have no-one that they can talk to about what is happening to them.
If a child suffers from panic disorder and it is left untreated then there is a good chance that they will enter adulthood under a great deal of stress and anxiety and be very vulnerable to panic attacks throughout their life.
If your child shows any symptoms of a panic attack such as struggling to breath, becoming panicky, dizzy, trembling and having an overwhelming sadness, then consider that they might be having a panic attack.
If your child is just showing signs of stress and anxiety then take action to help them deal better with the stress in their life so they don’t develop a panic disorder.
The earlier that you get help for your child the much better and happier outcome they will have.
