Anxiety and panic attacks in children and adolescents represent an increasingly common challenge that many parents find themselves facing.
While it’s completely normal for young ones to occasionally experience feelings of worry or anxiety, especially in new situations like starting school or moving house, there are cases where these feelings can become debilitating and require special attention.
Do children experience panic attacks?
Panic attacks in children manifest differently compared to adults.
While an adult can often recognize and verbalize what is happening, a child might not have the tools to express what they’re experiencing.
This can make the experience even more frightening, both for the little one and for the parents who feel helpless watching.
A panic attack is characterized by the sudden onset of intense feelings of fear or discomfort, accompanied by physical symptoms such as
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- trembling
- feeling of suffocation
- thoughts of death
In children, unfortunately, these episodes can manifest in less obvious ways or be confused with other behavioral problems.
What should I watch out for?
As a parent, it’s crucial to recognize the signs that might indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder or panic attacks in your child.
Some of the most common symptoms include
- difficulty concentrating
- sleep disorders
- frequent night awakenings and nightmares
- significant changes in eating habits
- sudden outbursts of anger or hard-to-manage irritability
Children suffering from anxiety might also show constant worries and recurring negative thoughts, appear tense and restless, use the bathroom frequently, cry often without apparent reasons, or complain of physical discomfort like stomach aches.
In younger children, separation anxiety is particularly common, while older children and adolescents tend to develop concerns related to school or social situations.
How can I help?
Your role as a parent in managing your children’s panic attacks is fundamental.
The first and most important action is to create a safe and welcoming environment where the child feels free to express their fears and concerns.
Open and non-judgmental dialogue represents the foundation for helping your child overcome these difficult moments.
It’s essential to stay calm during the child’s panic episodes, showing presence and support without minimizing what they’re experiencing.
Using a reassuring tone of voice and guiding the child through simple breathing exercises can help manage the attack during acute moments.
When should I talk to a psychologist?
Although many childhood anxieties can resolve naturally with time and parental support, there are situations where professional help is necessary.
It’s advisable to consult a specialist (such as a child psychologist) when the child’s anxiety:
- Shows no signs of improvement or worsens over time
- Significantly interferes with school, family, or social life
- Doesn’t respond to home management attempts
- Causes significant distress to the child or family
The first step is usually to discuss it with the pediatrician, who can assess the situation and, if necessary, refer you to child mental health specialists.
Are there treatments or therapies?
There are various therapeutic options to help children suffering from panic attacks.
The choice of the most appropriate treatment will depend on the child’s age, the severity of symptoms, and the underlying causes.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven particularly effective, helping children understand and manage their anxious thoughts through practical techniques and coping strategies.
Counseling can help the child explore and understand the roots of their anxiety, while in more severe cases, pharmacological support might be necessary, always under strict specialist medical supervision.
Can they be prevented?
Preventing panic attacks involves creating a stable and supportive family environment.
It’s important to establish predictable daily routines, promote a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest and physical activity, and teach children stress management techniques from an early age.
Parents can also work to identify and modify family behaviors that might unknowingly fuel the child’s anxiety.
This includes avoiding transmitting their own fears and concerns, encouraging age-appropriate independence, and celebrating small successes in overcoming daily challenges.
Don’t underestimate the family impact.
A child’s panic attacks can have a significant impact on the entire family.
It’s important for parents to take care of themselves and seek support when needed.
Participating in support groups for parents of children with anxiety disorders can provide valuable resources and the opportunity to share experiences with others facing similar challenges.
It’s essential to involve other family members, including siblings, in understanding and supporting the child who suffers from panic attacks.
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SOURCES
Cackovic C, Nazir S, Marwaha R. Panic Disorder. 2023 Aug 6. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 28613692.