PANIC ATTACKS AND TEENS

This blog is in response to a comment by a reader about panic attacks indicating there is not enough attention given to the terrible incidents of panic attacks. We will write a bit about panic attacks in teenagers. This is an important subject because when a child or teenager has had one or some panic attacks they may start to avoid the situations that they think may have triggered a panic attack. Often since the symptoms are so scary they may be afraid that they are going crazy and they may be afraid to even tell an adult what has happened. Even when they do tell what has happened. It may increase isolation out of fear that this could occur again. Frequently an individual that has experienced a panic attack will assume it was caused by whatever event was happening at the time the attack occurred. Frequently this is not the case. When you find out this is happening with your teenager you do not need to panic. Simply ask them to tell you what occurred. Remaining calm will help. We will be addressing issues of how to deal with panic attacks in the next few blogs. Sherri