Panic Disorder in Teens

Panic disorder in teens manifests as recurring, sudden episodes of severe anxiety and physical distress, commonly known as panic attacks. Unlike other anxiety disorders, these episodes are particularly intense and brief, typically lasting only minutes but often leaving lasting effects throughout the day, including persistent shakiness and worry.

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Understanding Panic Attacks in Teens

What makes panic disorder particularly challenging is its unpredictable nature. Panic attacks can occur without warning or apparent trigger, even during moments of complete calm or sleep. Such unpredictability tends to cause increased anxiety about when the next attack might occur, thus creating a cyclical worry effect that can impact daily life.

Panic attacks themselves can be incredibly frightening, often mimicking symptoms of serious physical conditions like heart attacks. This intensity can make the experience particularly traumatic for adolescents who may not understand what’s happening to them.

Other panic attack symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• A feeling of no control
• Shaking and trembling
• Numbness
• Chest pain

Factors Contributing to Panic Attacks in Teens

Panic disorder rarely stems from a single cause. Rather, there are several common factors (and some less common ones) that may cause one or recurrent panic attacks.

Life experiences, for example, are a major factor. Life experiences can include traumatic events or major life disruptions such as loss, divorce, or geographic relocation.

Hereditary factors also influence susceptibility to panic attacks and panic disorder, particularly in families with a history of anxiety disorders. Panic disorder and panic attacks frequently occur alongside other mental health conditions, like PTSD and agoraphobia. Further, certain medications and their withdrawal effects can trigger panic symptoms, while stimulant use may intensify existing anxiety.

Supporting a Teen with Panic Disorder

Supporting a teen with panic disorder demands understanding and patience from parents and/or caregivers. Probably one of the most critical actions a parent or caregiver can take, especially during a panic attack, is to remain calm. After all, anxiety or further panic can be contagious. Emotional stability is key and can help ground teens during difficult moments.

Being consistently present and available makes a significant difference, too. While teens may sometimes need space, knowing help is readily available provides fundamental security. Taking time to understand anxiety disorders, particularly panic attacks, can also help parents/caregivers provide more effective support during challenging, high-stress and intensive moments.

Panic Attack Treatment for Teens

The good news about panic disorder is its high treatability. We employ several effective approaches at the Ridge RTC so young people in our care learn to manage and overcome their symptoms:

Talk Therapy

Psychotherapy often serves as the primary treatment for panic disorder. Through behavioral therapy, teens learn to understand their panic attacks, identifying triggers and warning signs before episodes occur. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) proves particularly effective in reducing panic attacks and helping teens develop practical coping strategies.

Relaxation Techniques

While relaxation therapy may not prevent panic attacks entirely, it provides valuable tools for managing general anxiety when combined with other therapeutic approaches. Various holistic and experiential therapy methods, including mindfulness practices, stress-reduction techniques, nature excursions, art, and music, help teens develop better emotional regulation skills.

Medication Management

When appropriate, medications such as SSRIs may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. While medication can play a supporting role, therapy and developing long-term coping strategies typically remains the cornerstone of our treatment.

About Treatment at Ridge RTC

At Ridge RTC, we know what treating panic disorder requires and as a result, have a carefully structured approach to how we treat teens in our care. More specifically, we offer:

A Calming Environment

Our facilities are designed to create a sense of tranquility, offering spaces where teens can feel safe while working through their challenges. The natural surroundings and thoughtfully designed spaces support the therapeutic process.

Personalized Approach

We recognize that recovery happens at different paces for different individuals. Our treatment plans adapt to each teen’s needs, never pushing them beyond their capabilities. The measured approach to how we treat proves particularly important for those dealing with related challenges like agoraphobia.

Comprehensive Support

Our therapeutic team specializes in handling the complexities of panic disorder, including managing setbacks and addressing co-occurring conditions. We focus on helping teens develop practical skills for managing their symptoms while building confidence in their ability to handle challenging situations.

Get Started

At Ridge RTC in Maine and New Hampshire, our comprehensive panic attack treatment for teens helps them understand their panic disorder while developing the tools they need for long-term wellness. Our goal extends beyond symptom management to helping teens build fulfilling, confident lives despite their challenges.

Call or fill out our online form to get started today.