Parent and Child Psychological Services of Sarasota
  • Home
  • About Our Team
  • General Therapy Info
  • Anxiety
  • Behavior Problems/PCIT
  • OCD, PANS/PANDAS & BFRBs
  • Selective Mutism
  • Trauma
  • Testing
  • Resources & Events
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • No Surprise Act
  • Employment/Training Opportunities
Parent and Child Psychological Services PLLC 
941.357.4090 (Office)/ 727.304.3619 (Fax)
​Instagram: @childtherapysrq

Teens and Panic attacks: What they are and what to do By Dr Kirsten Ellingsen

3/17/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture
Anxiety is a normal and expected part of life. It keeps us safe when there is danger or a threat of danger. It occurs for common reasons at different developmental stages of life. Anxiety can also be a problem when it is frequent, exaggerated, and negatively affects functioning and participation in daily activities. It can also reach a level that meets criteria to be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder.
 
The emotional and physical response of anxiety is panic. It is the Fight-Flight-Freeze body response to perceived danger. The brain signals the amygdala to activate adrenaline and stress hormones that can help a person survive danger. It is an automatic response and useful when there is an actual threat of danger. (See the video for teens from Anxiety Canada to explain the fight or flight response to anxiety for teens: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/fight-flight-freeze-anxiety-explained-for-teens/).
 
What is a panic attack?
 
A panic attack is a “sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021. They are common and almost 1 in 4 adults will experience at least one in their life.
 
It “is an abrupt episode of severe anxiety with accompanying emotional and physical symptoms…[a teen might feel] feel overwhelmed by an intense fear or discomfort, a sense of impending doom, the fear of going crazy, or sensations of unreality. Accompanying the emotional symptoms may be shortness of breath, sweating, choking, chest pains, nausea, dizziness, and numbness or tingling in his extremities. During an attack, some teens may feel they're dying or can't think.” (From: Your Adolescent - Anxiety and Avoidant Disorders. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology.
https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Anxiety_Disorder_Resource_Center/Your_Adolescent_Anxiety_and_Avoidant_Disorders.aspx)
 
Symptoms of a panic attack include:
  • Pounding or “racing” heart
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or Trembling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A feeling of choking
  • Sense of impending doom or danger
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Stomach pain or nausea
  • Fear of loss of control “going crazy” or dying
  • Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Headache
  • Weakness or dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
  • Feeling of unreality or detachment
 
(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021; https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/panic-attack-symptoms)
 
It is a sudden experience of intense anxiety (the physiological symptoms) with or without an apparent cause. While anxiety also produces these symptoms, in panic attacks the psychological sensations are dominant. They are sudden and abrupt in onset. They usually peak within 10 minutes and are over in 30. Panic attacks usually seem to come out of nowhere (rather than triggered by a specific fear). While not dangerous, the physical symptoms can be so concerning a person ends up in the emergency room to assess for a heart attack. 
 
After a panic attack, a teen might avoid situations that might trigger another panic attack including daily expected routines and activities. A panic attack can occur for no apparent reason. They are a problem when panic attacks are frequent, are unexpected, and extended time is spent in fear of another attack indicating a potential Panic Disorder. Panic attacks might occur in different anxiety disorders (e.g., Social Anxiety Disorder triggered by feared social situations or occur with specific phobias and Generalized Anxiety Disorder).
 
A panic attack can occur when a teen has an anxiety disorder but does not always indicate that the teen has a Panic Disorder or that a teen meets diagnostic criteria for any Anxiety Disorder.
A teen can experience one or two panic attacks in a stressful time, but then not again after a stressful circumstance is over. Yet, once experienced, a teen might start to get anxiety thinking about the possibility of another panic attack (anticipatory anxiety).
 
What can a teen to do manage a panic attack?
 
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of research supported treatment for anxiety and panic attacks. (This focuses on the interconnection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors). Medication is sometimes warranted when the level of anxiety reaches criteria for a Panic Disorder or Anxiety Disorder and is negatively and significantly affecting the daily life and functioning of a teen. (See: https://childmind.org/article/panic-attacks-best-treatments/).
 
Teens can learn relaxation strategies and breathing techniques to help in the moment. Calm breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation are important tools to learn and practice. Mindfulness, acceptance strategies and exposures are also helpful. Teens can also work with a therapist or find resources to identify thinking patterns that increase anxiety (e.g., catastrophizing) and help them address specific thoughts that can trigger or increase feelings of panic.  Both strategies are important because the more a teen focuses on the physical sensations and catastrophizes the meaning of the symptoms, the more adrenaline and stress hormones are released and this can extend the panic experience.
 
How can parents help?
 
Listen to your teen and provide opportunities to talk about fears and anxiety. Normalize anxiety about social interactions, physical appearance, and uncertainty with the future as well as acknowledge anxious feelings in high stress circumstances. Know the facts about anxiety and panic attacks to share.
 
Facts about anxiety: (From https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/home-management-strategies-for-panic-disorder/).
 
  • Fact 1: Anxiety is normal and adaptive, as it helps us prepare for danger.
  • Fact 2: Anxiety can become a problem when our body tells us that there is danger when there is no real danger.
 
Facts about panic attacks:
  • They are the fight-flight-freeze response
  • This response can occur even when there is no real threat of harm or danger
  • Panic attacks might feel scary and are uncomfortable, but not dangerous
  • They are brief (usually 10-20 minutes)
  • Other people cannot tell you are having a panic attack
  • People tend to breath faster when anxious yet get in less oxygen which can make them feel dizzy or lightheaded. This can increase feelings of anxiety. Slowing down and breathing deeper through the nose and out of the mouth can help move through anxiety and relax.
 
Encourage learning and practicing relaxation strategies. Help teens identify and examine specific thoughts and patterns of thinking that increase feelings of panic. If panic attacks are frequent or the fear of having another panic attack is interfering with your teens ability to attend school or participate in social interactions, hobbies, or otherwise enjoyable activities please talk with your pediatrician or reach out to a therapist specializing in child and adolescence populations for support.
 
Additional References and Resources:
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anxiety.html
https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/child-and-teen-panic-disorder/
The CBT Workbook for Panic Attacks, Elena Welsh, PhD

 

2 Comments

How to Make Time-Out Work By Tara Motzenbecker, LMHC, NCSP

3/10/2022

0 Comments

 
0 Comments

Teen Dating Violence: What does it look like? Part 1 By Rachel Funnell, LMFT

3/5/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture
Teen dating violence is never a subject that parents want to even think about or even believe could affect their child. However, it affects millions of teens in the US. The following are some statistics to give you some perspective. 
  • Data from CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that among US high school students who reported dating during the 12 months before the survey:
    • 1 in 12 experience physical dating violence
    • 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence. 
  • The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reported:
    • Over 71% of women and over 55% of men first experienced intimate partner violence (sexual or physical violence, and/or stalking) under the age of 25.
    • One in four women first experienced intimate partner violence prior to the age of 18.
    • Over 80% of women and over 70% of male rape victims experienced their first completed or attempted rape under the age of 25.
    • Sexual violence is usually committed by someone the survivor knows. Over 28% of girls who experienced sexual violence under the age of 18 were raped by a current or former intimate partner.
    • Youth who experience sexual violence as children or teens are more likely to experience sexual violence in adulthood. Thirty-five percent of women who were raped as minors were also raped as adults, compared to 10% of women raped as an adult who were not raped as minors.

​These statistics are very sobering and it poses the question “How do I know if my teen is experiencing teen violence?” First, it’s important to know exactly what teen dating violence is. It’s defined as a pattern of coercive, intimidating or manipulative behaviors used to exert power and control over a partner. According to the CDC, this includes the following:
  1. Physical violence: a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
  2. Sexual Violence: forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act and/or sexual touching when the parenter doesn’t consent or is unable to consent or refuse. It also includes posting or sharing sexual pictures of a partner without their consent or sexting someone without their consent. 
  3. Psychological aggression: use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and exert control over a partner. 
  4. Stalking: pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner that causes fear or safety concern for an individual victim or someone close to the victim. 

Most parents might think to themselves, “I would know if my teen was in an abusive relationship.” However, some of the warning signs may not be as obvious as one would think. Teen dating violence and abuse could look like any of the following:
  • A partner checking your teens phone, email or social media accounts without their permission
  • A partner putting down your teen frequently, especially in front of others
  • A partner isolating your teen from friends or family this could be physically, financially, or emotionally
  • A partner having extreme jealousy or insecurity (accusing your teen of cheating all the time)
  • A partner having explosive outbursts, temper or mood swings
  • A partner being possessive or having controlling behavior (monitors where they go, who they call or who they spend time with)
  • A partner pressuring your teen or forcing them to have sex
  • A partner that punishes your teen by withholding affection
  • A partner that expects your teen to ask permission before doing things
  • A partner yelling or screaming at your teen
  • A partner gaslighting your teen by pretending not to understand or refusing to listen to them
  • A partner constantly texting or calling your teen and/or making them feel like they can’t be separated from their phone
  • A partner showing up at place uninvited 
  • A partner leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
  • A partner using social media to track your teens activities
  • A partner blaming your teen for abusive or unhealthy behaviors 
  • A partner threatening suicide if your teen doesn’t stay with them

It’s important to also be aware of changes in your teens' behaviors or appearance. Other warning signs to look for include:
  • Unexplained marks, bruises or injuries
  • Depression or anxiety 
  • Decreased interest in extracurricular activities or other interests
  •  Isolation from other friends and family
  • Changes in appearance including clothes, makeup or hairstyle

As a parent, this is a scary topic to talk about but it’s one that is extremely important to discuss. The more that you are aware of what to look for, the better chance you can help your child get out of this relationship. It’s also important to be proactive with your teens. Talk to them about the warning signs and the difference between a healthy and an abusive relationship. Teach your teens how to set healthy boundaries with others as well as how to be respectful and appropriate when dating. The more prepared your teen is, the better chance that they will not get into or stay in an abusive relationship or even be the one being abusive. 

References


https://www.loveisrespect.org/dating-basics-for-healthy-relationships/dating-101/

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teendatingviolence/fastfact.html

https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/teen-dating-violence-prevention-resources-2022

www.dvs-or.org/what-is-domestic-violence



1 Comment

    Author

    Parent and Child Psychological Services is a private practice serving children and families in the Sarasota, Florida area. The practice is owned and operated by Dr. Gibson, a Licensed Psychologist who is Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. ​

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Parent and Child Psychological Services PLLC 
info@childtherapysrq.com
941.357.4090 (Office)
727.304.3619 (Fax)                                                                                                                                                               
4071 Bee Ridge Road, Suite 204                                                                                                              
Sarasota, FL 34233                                                                                                                                   
Proudly powered by Weebly