Common signs of panic attack in teens

Panic disorder is a common and treatable mental health problem. It’s not the same as your teenager feeling scared before an exam or panicking on losing the smartphone. Panic attacks come across as repeated periods of intense fear or discomfort, along with clear, physically manifest symptoms, and you will mostly be at a loss as to why it happened. We have discussed more about teen panic attacks below.  

Spotting panic attack in teens  
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear with severe physical reactions when there is no apparent cause for it. Panic attacks can be very frightening for both the teenager and the parent. All or most of the symptoms noted below would be happening:  

• The teen will keep insisting something terrible is happening or will happen, but will not be able to pinpoint a cause. They may become incoherent with fear  
• Their pulse rate will increase manifold and they may have palpitations 
• They will become dizzy, disoriented or light-headed  
• Their blood pressure level will fluctuate  
• They will have breathing difficulties, with a tightness in the chest or throat as if they are being smothered  
• They will start trembling and shaking, and their vision may be affected  
• They may lose their sense of reality and may not be able to perform simple actions like sitting or standing still  
• They may talk about dying, losing control or going insane. They may say that they are having a heart attack  
• They may also lose control over the bowels and visit the washroom often or throw up  

Although panic attacks are rarely a cause of death in teens since they are less prone to heart attack, a panic disorder will significantly affect their quality of life.  

What are the consequences of panic disorder?  
Teens with panic disorder may become unwilling to leave home or visit certain places that involve social interaction for fear of panic attacks. They may develop severe depression and turn to substance abuse. Their grades suffer and their self-esteem drops.  

If your teen has been getting panic attacks, don’t delay. Get medical help. Panic disorder can be cured, just like any disease, and delaying will make it worse.