Panic attacks, sudden episodes of incredibly intense fear that occur for no apparent reason and last from a few seconds to cyclic series lasting hours, afflict millions of Americans. Panic attacks can happen to anyone at any time, and the effects will vary from individual to individual.
It is not known precisely what the cause or causes of panic attacks are. Some of the factors, though, that are thought to be underlying causes are:
- A family history of panic attacks (genetics)
- Parents who model or teach negative or pessimistic behavior (learned)
- Changes in the way the brain functions (physical)
- Reaction to certain chemicals or medications (medical)
- Significant change in personal life, loss of loved one, extreme stress (environmental)
Most people will have only one or two such episodes in their life. Some, however, will experience frequent or chronic episodes, or panic disorder. Women and people with high levels of intelligence are more at risk. Panic attacks or disorder usually start during early childhood.
Nature and Nurture both play a role
Studies have shown that panic disorder runs in families, which means that genetic inheritance could play a significant role in determining who does or does not suffer panic attacks. While people with no family history of panic disorder can also suffer, studies of identical twins where one reports panic disorder also show that from 31 to 88 percent of the other twins are also afflicted.
Evidence also indicates that children whose parents have an overly cautious view of the world or who model a negative or pessimistic view tend to be more at risk of having panic attacks, particularly when additional stress is present.
Physical causes
Children suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), hypoglycemia, or other diseases that affect the way the brain functions are believed to be at greater risk of developing panic disorder or having panic attacks. In fact, almost any chronic disease can subject the sufferer to panic attacks.
Children with phobias often have panic attacks in conjunction with exposure to the source of the phobia.
Medical and chemical causes
Feelings of panic or anxiety are listed as side effects of certain medications such as Ritalin or some antibiotics. Alcohol, caffeine, and some illegal drugs are also known to trigger panic attacks.
Changes or stress in a child’s personal life
Whenever stress is introduced into a child’s environment, the risk of panic attacks or panic disorder is increased. Loss of a loved one, the introduction of a new child into the family, or a pending move, are all events that can induce panic attacks in children. Children who have been subjected to physical, mental, or sexual abuse also have a heightened risk of suffering panic attacks.
Often children get beyond panic attacks as soon as the anxiety-producing element is removed from the environment, or is explained. For instance, when a new sibling in the family causes anxiety for a child, allowing the child to get to know the new baby, or even helping take care of it, will alleviate the situation. In cases of severe trauma, such as abuse, professional therapy and medication might be required to affect a cure.
A starting point in helping a child get over a panic attack is to establish communication as soon as the child is calm again. Getting a child to verbalize what is causing fear is helpful in understand the reason for their fear and to help them get beyond it. Maintaining open and candid conversation with your child, in fact, is a way to help prevent most panic episodes. What you don’t want to do, however, is appear to be trivializing the child’s fears. Keep in mind that the ‘monster’ under your child’s bed is ‘real’ in his or her mind. Merely saying that there’s nothing there won’t help the situation, and can even make it worse. It can also damage your long-term relationship with the child. Patiently helping the child work through the fears and see reality is the best way to go.
Whether you seek professional help, or decide your child’s panic attack symptoms are mild enough for natural treatment, don’t let this situation go unaddressed. Unresolved childhood phobias and anxieties can resurface later in adulthood in a much more serious form. Untreated panic attacks, or chronic panic disorder has a devastating effect on a child’s life; and later in adulthood, making relationships difficult and ruining the quality of life.
To learn more about how to overcome panic attacks please review the Panic Puzzle Program, available for $70.
