Danger Of Panic Disorder To Children

Panic disorder is a condition that is characterized by anxiety and panic attacks. Panic attacks normally occur for about one minute or up 10 minutes or more, depending on the degree of the case. Panic attack is a situation wherein a certain person suddenly gets feelings of fright and fear.

The common symptoms of panic attacks are uncontrollable fear, perspiration and rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling dizziness, and hyperventilation.

Panic disorder could be a serious illness but is definitely treatable. Approximately five percent of Americans have panic attacks. It starts as early as during childhood and adolescence. Most case runs in the family and therefore, this condition is hereditary.

However, psychological causes, stressful situations and traumatic events also play a role in panic disorder. Death of loved one, failures in school, family problems are the most common examples.

Panic attacks in children, if not managed and treated properly, can lead to really devastating effects. It may affect the normal growth and development of a child. Children experiencing this type of disorder might feel stressed and anxious every time. This would impact their abilities to mingle and establish relationship with others, which is very vital for them to have a stable and healthy emotional well-being. As a result, traumas may be developed, giving the children fear of going to school or leaving their homes even, for the reason that panic attacks may happen. Fear and avoidance of certain place and situations is call agoraphobia. In severe cases, these fears and anxiety might escalate into depression. Suicidal and negative behaviors might be developed and children may resort to usage of illicit drugs and alcoholism as a means of escape.

Diagnosing this type of disorder may prove to be difficult and would involve serial visit to physicians. If there are no other signs of illness after the initial evaluation of the physician, further assessment then should be made by a psychiatrist.

For people who are experiencing this disorder, there are home remedies that can help treat panic attacks. But first, panic attacks should be well differentiated from cardiac arrest as it is a usual dilemma. This misconception may further exacerbate and trigger future panic attacks. These steps may help alleviate panic attack situations:

- Relax your shoulders and be aware of the tensions felt in the muscles.
- Tense and relax your major muscle groups by holding your breath and releasing the muscles of the leg as with your breath, then the other leg and then the other large muscles of the body.
- Slowdown and control your breathing
- Assure your self that you are not going to "die" or to "go crazy"

For serious cases of panic disorder, however, it may require treatments for other emotional problems like personality disorders, depression, and alcohol and drug abuse. In this case, psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy accompanied by proper medications, is the most effective method.