What is Panic? And What Can Help?

If you or your child has experienced panic, you are likely familiar with the intense and overwhelming feelings that characterize a panic attack. It may feel like shortness of breath, racing heart, shaking, or even fear of fainting or losing control. Unfortunately, panic attacks are common for youth who experience anxiety. The good news is that there are effective treatments that can help support youth in reaching goals and living the life they want.

What is panic?

Panic attacks can look different for each individual youth, but are characterized by a period of intense fear or distress. These periods may include a pounding or racing heart, feeling short of breath, shaking, sweating, feeling dizzy or nauseous, and/or fear of fainting, losing control, or dying. Panic attacks can occur in the context of anxiety, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and PTSD. Panic Disorder is a specific anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks along with fears about additional attacks or avoidance of situations due to panic. It can be helpful to think about panic attacks as a false alarm setting off our “fight or flight” system. The physical sensations that accompany the false alarm are felt quite intensely.

How does panic get in the way?

Panic attacks are very distressing for youth. Children and teens may start to feel more anxious after experiencing a panic attack because they don’t want to have another. Sometimes, youth begin to avoid situations where they might experience panic or not be able to escape quickly or have support. If panic attacks are keeping children and teens from activities or events they want to attend, they might also feel down or upset about how much panic is getting in the way.

What can help?

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for anxiety and panic. CBT is often brief and goal-oriented, with a focus on learning new ways of thinking and behaving that reduce symptoms. CBT for panic and anxiety includes learning about anxiety, the cycle of panic, and our “fight or flight” stress response system. Treatment also includes specific calming and breathing strategies along with shifting thoughts in response to anxiety. A core component of CBT for anxiety and panic, is exposure. Exposure involves gradually facing fears. With practice, anxiety becomes less intense and confidence grows. Interoceptive exposure is a specific type of exposure that helps with panic. Interoceptive exposure involves exposure to feared sensations (e.g., dizziness or racing heart). Both interoceptive and situational exposure approaches are often needed for overcoming anxiety and panic. Therapists can introduce interoceptive exposure gradually and engage in exercises alongside a child or teen struggling with panic. A psychologist or therapist can work closely with a family to develop a plan that is the right pace for each individual child or teen.

Professional support is available

A psychologist or therapist may be helpful in learning to manage panic and anxiety. A psychologist can develop a plan for facing fears and overcoming panic. Many children and teens with anxiety avoid situations or things that make them nervous, and that can include social situations, school, or other activities. A psychologist can identify key steps to support getting kids back into regular activities or reaching new goals.

Brave Minds Psychology Center for Child Anxiety offers evidence-based therapy to support children, teens, young adults, and parents in learning to manage anxiety in order to thrive. Based in Southern California, telehealth services are available for residents across the states of California and Illinois. In-person services are available in Temecula, CA. Contact us for a free consultation.

**The information provided in this post is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is essential to consult with a qualified mental health professional for any specific concerns or needs.