Panic Disorder and Anxiety in Teens

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although panic disorder often begins between the ages of 21 and 35, it's still possible to develop this condition in childhood or early adolescence.

Panic Disorder and Teens

The symptoms of panic disorder in teenagers are very similar to the experiences of adults. The main symptom of panic disorder is the experience of recurrent panic attacks. These attacks often occur unexpectedly and are marked by extreme fear, nervousness, and apprehension.

Panic attacks are usually felt through a mix of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. These attacks typically occur out-of-the-blue and are accompanied by four or more of the following symptoms:

• Accelerated heart rate
• Chest pain
• Chills or hot flushes
• Derealization or depersonalization
• Excessive sweating
• Fear of dying
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
• Feeling of choking
• Feelings of numbness or tingling sensations
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling or shaking

But a panic attack can continue to affect a teenager long after it has ended, causing heightened nervousness and anxiety hours after the attack has subsided.

Consequences and Complications

Experiencing a panic attack can be a frightening experience for a teenager. Similar to adults with panic disorder, teens who experience panic attacks are susceptible to developing avoidance behaviors.

When this occurs, the teen begins to stay away from situations, places, and events that they believe may trigger a panic attack. A teen may, for example, start to avoid crowds—such as at school assemblies or the cafeteria. They may also become fearful in cars or other forms of transportation, and feel afraid to leave places deemed safe, such as the home.

Repeatedly avoiding situations that may trigger panic attacks is a condition known as agoraphobia. Although more likely to occur in adulthood, agoraphobia can develop during adolescence.

Treatment Options

If left untreated, panic disorder can negatively affect a teenager’s life and potentially lead to problems with school, relationships, and self-esteem. Only a doctor or qualified professional can diagnose a teen with panic disorder. A doctor can also rule out possible medical causes for the panic attacks and determine if any co-occurring conditions exist, such as depression.

Because girls are affected by anxiety at about twice the rate of boys, experts recommend that all girls and women should be screened for anxiety during routine health exams.

Some of the most common treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy, medications, and self-help strategies. Treatment outcomes are often best when utilizing a combination of these options and following through with treatment recommendations.

Through psychotherapy, a teen can meet with a professional who treats panic disorder to work through deep emotions and develop coping strategies. Different types of psychotherapy may be available—the most common being cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is centered on helping the teen develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

Family psychotherapy may be recommended to assist in building supportive relationships between the teen and the rest of the family. Group therapy may also be available, in which the teen will be able to work through issues alongside peers who are also struggling with similar problems.

A Word From Verywell

Panic disorder can be experienced on and off throughout a person's lifespan. For instance, a teenager may have frequent and unexpected panic attacks for several months, followed by many years without any symptoms.

Regardless of whether panic disorder is experienced for a short period of time or throughout life, it doesn't have to be unmanageable. The sooner a teenager gets the help needed, the quicker they will be on the road to recovery.