Panic Disorder

Overview

Has your child ever experienced symptoms that felt like a heart attack, only to have the fear subside moments later? Has your child been fearful of panic attacks? Panic attacks are intense waves of fear that go beyond ordinary distress. They can cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and nausea, often accompanied by a sense of impending danger. Children with panic disorder may experience repeated episodes, leading to heightened anxiety about when the next attack might occur. Panic Disorder often requires therapeutic support and emotional support to manage effectively.

When addressing panic disorders and anxiety, working with a qualified professional is key. Expert child psychologists and specialized therapists understand how anxiety uniquely affects children and tailor their approach to each individual. With specialized treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)—combined with the specialized therapist and empathetic involvement of parents and schools—children can develop the tools they need to regain control and build emotional resilience.

If you’re searching for a therapist, proximity can help reduce the stress associated with travel. Our expert child psychologists and child and family therapists in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Manhattan, New York, provide specialized therapy for Anxiety and Panic attacks.

Understanding Panic Attacks in Children

Panic attacks are intense waves of fear that go beyond ordinary distress. They can cause physical symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness, sweating, trembling, and nausea, often accompanied by a sense of impending danger. Children with panic disorder may experience repeated episodes, leading to heightened anxiety about when the next attack might occur. Evidence-based treatments provide a structured approach to managing overwhelming emotions and physical sensations during panic attacks. Different types of techniques can help your child.

Cognitive Restructuring:

It helps children identify and reframe negative thought patterns. Example: Transforming the thought “I’m going to die during this panic attack” into “I’ve felt this before, and I know it will pass. This is just a panic attack, and I am safe.”

Mindfulness and Behavioral Strategies:

Mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing and grounding exercises, observing emotions without judgment help children stay calm and Focus on the present moment to reduce catastrophic thoughts about the future. The “TIPP” skill (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Progressive relaxation) de-escalates symptoms.

Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance:

Provides tools to navigate panic attacks without resorting to harmful behaviors. Strategies like self-soothing, distraction, helps children identify and understand emotional triggers, reducing vulnerability factors. Focus on gradually introducing children to anxiety triggers in a controlled environment, such as crowded spaces, to reduce avoidance behavior and increase confidence.

Interpersonal Skills

Builds communication and boundary-setting skills to help children manage relationship stress, reduce social anxiety, and improve their interactions with peers and adults. For example, children learn to express their needs clearly, say no when necessary, and resolve conflicts effectively, fostering healthy relationships and reducing relational anxiety.

A Path Toward Wellness

Therapy for anxiety and panic attacks combines professional guidance with compassionate support from parents and schools. By addressing the root causes of panic attacks and implementing evidence-based strategies like CBT and DBT, children can regain emotional control, resilience, and confidence. If you’re seeking a specialized therapist near you, our clinicians are here to provide personalized care and proven methods to promote mental well-being.

The Role of Empathy and Support in Treatment

Parental Involvement

Parental support is critical to a child’s progress. Open communication, validation of emotions, and fostering self-compassion help children feel understood and supported. Parents can reinforce CBT strategies at home, creating a consistent environment for growth.

Schools and Educators

Panic attacks can disrupt learning, but schools can provide essential support. Educators trained in recognizing panic symptoms can guide students through calming techniques, creating an inclusive and empathetic learning environment.

Peers and Community

Encouraging peer understanding fosters a sense of belonging and reduces stigma. A supportive school community can empower anxious children to feel accepted and supported.

The Role of Therapy

Working with an expert psychologist or specialized therapist provides children and families with a judgment-free space to explore and manage the complexities of anxiety and panic attacks. With a collaborative approach involving family, school, and community support, children are equipped with the tools to navigate challenges and thrive emotionally. Our specialized psychologists and therapists offer in-person and virtual therapy sessions for accessibility and convenience.

Take the GPG Symptom Checker

At Greenwich Psychology Group, our symptom checker helps clients track their symptoms of depression or anxiety. Taking the assessment doesn't provide a formal diagnosis, but it can help you determine what next steps you may need to take. The evaluation uses a series of questions to review the feelings and symptoms you've experienced over the past two weeks. The results will help you distinguish if professional help is the best next step.

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