Child and Teen Panic Disorder

Children and teens with Panic Disorder experience unexpected and repeated panic attacks. This is typically followed by at least one month of concern about having additional attacks and/or a fear of something bad happening because of the panic attack (such as going crazy, losing control, or dying).

Key Points:

• Panic Disorder usually begins in late adolescence.
• Girls are more likely to experience panic attacks than boys.
• Children and teens with a family history of anxiety or depression are at greater risk for developing Panic Disorder.
• Problems associated with Panic Disorder include low self-esteem, poor school performance, problems with peer and family relationships, difficulty separating from parents or transitioning from home to school, sleep problems, and depression, as well as drug or alcohol use in teens.