According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology, over three million Americans will experience panic disorder throughout their lives. Typically, panic disorder begins in the teen years, but can occasionally present in young children. Panic disorder in children is exceptionally problematic. Children cannot always describe the feelings associated with a panic attack. It is difficult to explain to children with panic disorder that they are not in any danger from the panic attack.

Diagnosing Panic Disorder

1. Panic attacks are diagnosed in children with the same criteria as adults. Symptoms of panic attack include:

Intense fear of impending doom

Rapid heart rate

Dizziness

Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation

Tremors

Disorientation

Fear of impending death

A child with panic disorder will experience any combination of the above symptoms, as well as fear of having another attack. The attacks can last for just a few minutes or go on for hours.

Children and Agoraphobia

2. The word agoraphobia literally means "fear of the market place." Some people with panic disorder will avoid places where panic attacks occur. If you notice that your child with panic disorder suddenly refuses to participate in activities that were once part of the daily routine, such as riding the school bus, your child may be developing agoraphobia.

Ruling Out Other Causes

3. Panic disorder strongly resembles other diseases that present themselves in childhood. Juvenile diabetes, thyroid disorder and asthma can produce the same symptoms as a panic attack. It is imperative that any other illness is ruled out before your child is treated for panic disorder.

Treatment for Panic Disorder in Children

4. There are many medications that can stop panic disorder in its tracks. These medications are called benzodiazapines. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazapine is alprazolam, also known as Xanax. Xanax works quickly, but is extremely addictive. If your child is prescribed Xanax, be sure to offer no more than the doctor has prescribed. Because this medication is so highly addictive, your doctor will most likely prescribe it for no longer than two weeks.

There are other medications available that are less addictive. A family of medications called Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors, or SSRI's,work well. The most commonly prescribed SSRI for panic disorder is Paxil. Unfortunately, it can take up to six weeks for an SSRI to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream.

Another method of controlling panic attacks is cognitive behavioral therapy. If panic disorder occurs in conjunction with agoraphobia, exposure therapy is highly effective. This involves exposing the child to places that are commonly avoided by the child.

Panic Disorder Prognosis

5. Untreated panic disorder in children can lead to several problems such as depression and substance abuse. With the appropriate treatment, a child will usually outgrow panic disorder.