Panic attacks, also known as panic disorder, can have an immense and paralyzing impact on teens, as well as leave their family members and friends feeling worried and helpless. To gain an understanding of panic attacks and how best to treat them, we will explore their possible causes and help identify when professional help may be needed to grant relief from their impact on young lives. This article will delve into panic attacks and what causes teen panic attacks, and most importantly, we will cover how to treat panic attacks in teens and where you can find professional help if needed. If you are looking for teen anxiety treatment in Brentwood, TN, embrace U can help! Our adolescent mental health outpatient facility features evidence-based programs personalized to meet your teen’s unique situation and needs.
What are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or dread despite no real danger or concern being present. Often, panic attacks come out of nowhere and with little or no warning. For adolescents and teens, panic attacks can happen anywhere: during class, at home, during extracurricular activities, or while out with friends. A panic attack usually lasts only a few minutes, but the intensity of the attack leaves teens feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
Common symptoms associated with panic attacks include:
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Rapid, pounding heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
Due to the severity of the sensation and the fact that panic attacks can occur with little warning, adolescents who experience chronic panic attacks may feel nervous about going out and doing things normally associated with their age group and may self-isolate as a result.
Why Do Teens Experience Panic Attacks?
Teens experience panic attacks when they’ve developed an anxiety or phobia and lack the coping skills to deal with certain situations. These situations can include unchecked stress, a traumatic life event, a major life transition such as moving to a different city or school, or having a family history of panic attacks or panic disorder. Additionally, teens who have pre-existing mental health or physical health issues, such as asthma, are more vulnerable to panic attacks. Research shows that a predisposition towards timidity and nervousness can be inborn, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
The teen years are a tumultuous period marked by enormous body and brain development and changes. Many, if not all, adolescents struggle with the tremendous changes that occur during this period of rapid growth. As a result, some teenagers may experience significant anxiety and feelings of panic when dealing with these life changes. While many teens learn how to cope with their feelings in a healthy manner, some teens will have a more challenging time and can start having panic attacks as a result.
Medication for Panic Attacks in Teens
Medications can be an effective tool to help teens manage panic attacks, but there are also other ways that teens can manage their anxiety without the use of medication. For example, teaching your teen deep breathing techniques or having them engage in activities that can help them feel calm and centered, such as naming the letters of the alphabet, can prove beneficial during an attack. Helping your child learn how to identify and think through their feelings can be beneficial as well. Additionally, removing your teen from an anxiety-causing situation and transporting them somewhere calming may provide relief during panic attack episodes.
embrace U can Help Your Child Overcome Chronic Panic Attacks
To help your teen overcome panic attacks and regain control of their life, it’s important to find professional help through an adolescent outpatient rehab such as embrace U. Based in Brentwood, TN, embrace U is a teen mental health IOP for teens and pre-teens aged 10-18 years. Our evidence-based therapies and programs give you and your child the tools and support needed to overcome panic attacks and live a happy, healthy, and productive life. Call us today to help your teen find the health and happiness they deserve.
embrace U is an adolescent mental health clinic in Brentwood, Tennessee. Contact us today to learn more about our teen mental health IOP and how we can help your child overcome their mental health challenges.