What is a Panic Disorder? A Panic Disorder is a sudden and repeated attack of fear that lasts for several minutes which interferes with daily living such as school, family and work. Panic Disorders are an Anxiety Disorder.
Panic Disorders typically develop during the late teenage years and in early adults.
Symptoms include (from National Institute of Mental Health):
- Overwhelming feeling of fear
- Suddenly feeling terrified
- Sudden and repeated attacks of fear
- A feeling of being out of control during a panic attack
- An intense worry about when the next attack will happen
- A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
- Physical symptoms during an attack, such as a pounding or racing heart, sweating, breathing problems, weakness or dizziness, feeling hot or a cold chill, tingly or numb hands, chest pain, or stomach pain
Treatment for Panic Disorders includes therapy and/or medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are used to treat Panic Disorders. Therapy usually consists of individual and family therapy. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is very successful in treating Panic Disorders. CBT teaches the teen coping skills to recognize negative thinking patterns and ways to change them and to face fears instead of avoid them. Family therapy is important so that all the members in the family of the teen suffering from Panic Disorder can also learn coping strategies, help problem solve and improve communication and understanding about the disorder.
Studies show that as many as 40% of adults with Panic Disorder report that their disorder began before they were 20 years old. It is important to get treatment early. If your son is experiencing some of the above symptoms it is important to get treatment. There is a high rate of Dual Diagnosis or Co-existing Conditions present in teens with Panic Disorders. Teens with Panic Disorder often have one more other disorders such as: depression, Conduct Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Substance Abuse or specific phobias.
Do you have questions about treatment or about Panic Disorders? Call Triumph Youth Services. The staff is trained and experienced in working with teens with a variety of problems.
Reference
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_disorder
