Just because a child has a single panic attack does not necessarily mean that he or she has a panic disorder. If the panic attacks are infrequent your child may not need any treatment, but if they are getting worse, you should definitely pursue treatment.
Treatment may involve exposure therapy, which means helping the child to face specific places or situations that tend to trigger panic attacks. Treatment also typically involves teaching children strategies for identifying automatic thoughts that cause anxiety and replacing them with more realistic thoughts. Panic attacks in children are often related to some kind of traumatic experience. Look for a therapist who has experience working with trauma survivors and who can offer trauma-focused therapy. [3] X Research source
Some techniques utilize muscle relaxation or visualization to combat anxiety. Learning to better control breathing patterns may also help your child prevent future panic attacks. Biofeedback is a technique that teaches children to recognize physical changes in their bodies, such as temperature or heart rate changes, and to consciously modify these changes to reduce anxiety.
Your child’s doctor may recommend that you attend some or all of the therapy sessions with your child. If so, be sure to attend.
While these can be very effective at treating symptoms, they may also cause side effects and lead to dependency.
If your child has had panic attacks before, medical treatment may not be necessary each time the same symptoms recur, but be on the lookout for new symptoms that may indicate a different condition. For example, if your child usually experiences trembling, sweating, and intense anxiety during a panic attack, then these symptoms may be considered normal for her. However, if your child has an additional symptom, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, then you should seek immediate medical attention.
If you are with the child during the panic attack, try moving to as calm and quiet an area as possible and talking to the child is short, calm sentences. Reassuring the child that he or she is safe can be very helpful.
You can instruct your child to purse his or her lips to aid in breathing more slowly. Placing the hands on the stomach can help your child feel the rapidity of their own breathing. Do not have your child breathe into a paper bag, as this can restrict oxygen flow too much, which can make symptoms worse.
Before your child starts this exercise, instruct him or her to relax the shoulders and notice any muscle tension that may be present. Instruct your child to inhale deeply while tightening each muscle, and to exhale deeply while relaxing each muscle.
For example, try instructing the child to raise both hands into the air, and then to lower one at a time. You can also try doing a grounding exercise with your child. Instruct them to identify 5 things they can see, 4 things they can feel, 3 things they can hear, 2 things they can smell, and 1 thing they like about themself.
Keep your child away from friends or relatives who have violent tendencies. If you suffer from anxiety, try not to let your child see the symptoms. Even if you do not suffer from anxiety, stay as calm as possible around your child. Avoid yelling and shouting as much as possible. [12] X Research source
Children may avoid talking about their anxiety because they worry that they will be judged. Providing a judgement-free environment for your child can help encourage open, honest communication. Try to avoid punishing your child for anything that may be related to the panic attacks, including poor grades. Instead, offer constant encouragement and praise your child for all accomplishments, both big and small. [14] X Research source
A regular aerobic exercise regimen can help reduce overall anxiety and the frequency of panic attacks. Try encouraging your child to join a team sport, take up jogging, or start cycling. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, are also very helpful for reducing symptoms, so try to help your child incorporate one or more of these activities into his or her schedule. Try limiting your child’s caffeine intake, as this can make symptoms worse. A balanced diet and sufficient sleep are also important for combating anxiety.
