Panic Attacks in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

During a panic attack, your child may have a feeling of intense fear or terror, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, heartbeat changes, dizziness, sweating, and shaking. A panic attack starts suddenly and usually lasts from 5 to 20 minutes but may last even longer. An attack can begin with a stressful event. Or it can happen without a cause.

Although panic attacks can cause scary symptoms, you can learn to help your child manage them with self-care, counseling, and medicine.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.

• Make sure your child goes to all counseling sessions and follow-up appointments.

• Help your child recognize and accept their anxiety. Your child needs to learn that when faced with a situation that causes anxiety, it can help to say, "This is not an emergency. I feel uncomfortable, but I am not in danger. I can keep going even if I feel anxious."

• Help your child learn to be kind to their body. Teach your child to:

  • Relieve tension with exercise or a massage.

  • Get enough rest.

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs. They can increase your child's anxiety level, cause sleep problems, or trigger a panic attack.

  • Learn and do relaxation techniques.

• Help your child learn to engage their mind. Have your child get out and do something fun. Go to a funny movie, or take a walk or hike. Having too much or too little to do can make your child anxious.

• Keep a record of your child's symptoms. Encourage your child to discuss any fears with a good friend or family member. Teens may be able to join a support group for teens with similar problems. Talking to others sometimes relieves stress.

• Encourage your child to be active each day. Your child may like to take a walk with you, ride a bike, or play sports.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.