Panic Disorders
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid.
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS A PANIC DISORDER?
A child with a panic disorder suffers from recurring panic attacks. A panic attack is an episode during which an individual will be afraid, have anxiety, and will be fearful along with physical body symptoms.
A child has a panic disorder when they have recurring panic attacks for over a month.
Panic attacks can be triggered by a stressful situation, a specific date or anniversary, a place or thing that is a reminder of a trauma. At the same time a panic attack can occur without reason.
For some panic attacks can be brought on by the fear of having another panic attack.
Children with panic disorders are regarded as children with special educational needs.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR PANIC DISORDER
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR GET HELP WITH ANXIETY, FEAR OR PANIC
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH A PANIC DISORDER DISPLAY?
There are many symptoms associated with a panic attack. An individual can usually suffer from several of these symptoms during a panic attack, at any one time.
- Tingling in the fingers
- Numbness
- Chest pains
- Feeling dizzy
- Hot flush
- Trembling
- Heart palpitations
- Breathing difficulty
- Lose control
- Intense fear
- An urge to flee
The symptoms of a panic attack can last from a few minutes up to an hour. Panic disorder can be debilitating as it can prevent an individual from doing things and in extreme cases leaving the home. They may even need another person to escort them.
An individual suffering from panic attacks will avoid going to certain places, being in certain situations and around certain people.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE A PANIC DISORDER BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
Similar to many mental health disorders, the exact cause of panic disorder is unknown. However, there may be a genetic element to it and it could be inherited but there are many factors which play a part in its development in the child. They are:
- A severe childhood traumatic event
- Abuse
- Death of a close person
- Severe injury or illness
- Family breakdown
- Neglect and abandonment
- A history of mental illness
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF A PANIC DISORDER?
In most cases children with panic disorders will get them during their teenage years.
CAN A PANIC DISORDER GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
Panic disorders can be treated, managed and controlled. They cannot be prevented.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS A PANIC DISORDER?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for a panic disorder. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS A PANIC DISORDER CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from a panic disorder can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has a panic disorder you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has a panic disorder.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has a panic disorder. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has a panic disorder and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.