Anxiety attacks, better known as "panic attacks", are often thought to be a by-product of adult living. You may be surprised to discover, however, that children can also suffer from panic attacks, though often they go unnoticed or are not properly diagnosed. Unfortunately, if a panic attack is not treated, there can be serious averse effects involved.

So just what is a panic attack? A panic attack causes a person to feel "out of control". They are gripped by anxiety and fear, and are often unable to function to any extent while suffering the attack. More often than not, a person who has a panic attack cannot even tell you when or why it occurs - it just does.

These episodes are frightening for adults, but can easily be even more frightening for children who are clueless as to what is happening to them and why it is occurring. For children, a panic attack usually lasts for 15 seconds or less. During the attack, they often feel and appear to be out of control. Their peers may see them as being "crazy" because of this condition, which is extremely embarrassing for the child. The judgments they will face if they continue to have panic attacks in front of other children is reason alone to be sure it is taken care of.

The effects of a panic attack greatly vary from person to person, but generally these attacks are associated with cardiovascular problems and nervous breakdowns. The list below shows some of the most common symptoms of panic attacks in children:

• Feelings of dread and fear

• Heart palpitations/rapid heart beat

• Dizziness

• Choking/Gasping for air

• Excessive sweating

• Uncontrollable trembling

• Irrational thoughts and feelings

Remember, these are only some of the more common symptoms. Your child may display other symptoms not found on this list. Be aware of the signs of a panic attack, and be sure to seek prompt treatment from professionals. This is perhaps more important than even adults seeking treatment, as the severity of the attacks are more prone to increase in children and may result in being fatal.

As with adults, emotional and traumatic experiences are typically what initiate a panic attack in children. It is important that, if a child has suffered the loss of a loved one or has what may seem to be a "silly" fear at the time (i.e. afraid of the dark) that you take appropriate steps to soothe and talk to the child. Remember that children often have also not yet developed the coping skills necessary to explain and defend themselves in front of their peers at school, whom they are forced to confront on almost a daily basis. A child's sinking social status at school can lead to several issues: drop in grades, social anxiety, anger, and depression just to name a few.

So take the time to talk to your child. Ask them how they feel when they have a panic attack, and let them know that it's a normal and very treatable disorder. Take advantage of the help and many resources out there to ensure that your child has the best start to life as possible.