:Panic disorder manifests itself in the form of panic attacks (sometimes referred to as anxiety attacks). A panic attack is described by WorryWiseKids as a sudden onset of "uncomfortable physical symptoms and a feeling of imminent danger (doing something embarrassing such as fainting or throwing up; having a heart attack, or not being able to breathe)"(2015). Furthermore, children often describe the episodes as "losing control" or "going crazy"(ADAA, 2015). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the graphs below illustrate the frequency of panic disorder in children:
Agoraphobia often accompanies panic disorder, and is characterized by the constant fear of having another panic attack and the avoidance of certain places or situations that may provoke a panic attack. People who suffer from Agoraphobia often avoid places where they have previously experienced panic attacks, or places where escape might be difficult (such as crowded areas like malls and a school setting for children). According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), one in three people who suffer from panic disorders develop Agoraphobia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the graphs below illustrate the frequency of agoraphobia in children:
Causes
As with most anxiety disorders, what causes panic disorder is unknown. There is some correlation between family and genetics, however, no one knows why some people develop anxiety, and some do not. Researchers have discovered that there are several parts of the brain that play a role, and they are looking into how stressful environments may play a role (NIMH, n.d.).
Signs & Symptoms
According to Worry Wise Kids, an awareness organization created by Dr. Tamar Chansky, in conjunction with The Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety, here are ten red flags to look out for:
A sudden surge of anxiety symptoms that appear out of the blue and peak within 10 minutes
Surge of physical symptoms- dizziness, feeling faint, heart racing, tingling in extremities, stomach ache
Fear that you are going to have a heart attack or go crazy or lose control in some way children may fear crying hysterically, throwing up, losing control of bowels
Feeling unreal as if in a movie, or detached from one's body
Avoidance of situations for fear of having a panic attack