Just as adults can suffer from panic attacks or another type of anxiety disorder children can too.

And if a mother, father, sibling or grandparent has these attacks, then a child very well could develop them.  But, some children who develop these attacks don’t have a close relative who suffers from them.  The medical community is still researching if and how genetics play a role in the attacks.

Normally, many children have typical childhood fears or anxieties brought about by things like starting school, taking tests, meeting new kids, going to the doctor’s office, giving a classroom presentation, etc.  But, when their fears or anxieties become irrational, they could result in anxiety disorders such as panic disorders.

They may be diagnosed for children usually when they have at least a couple of panic attacks followed by a minimum of a month worrying about having another one.  The disorder isn’t diagnosed in most younger children but is more prevalent in adolescents.

Now, these disorders can mean a lot of distress for anyone.  They’re hard enough for adults to cope with - but for children, the physical and emotional signs can be very different from adults.  For example, children may not be able to realize that their fears are irrational.  Plus, they may not be able to accurately verbalize how they feel.  They may display them by crying, throwing tantrums or being clingy.

As with adults, if this disorder is suspected in a child, a visit should be scheduled with a medical professional – starting with their regular pediatrician.