What Causes Persistent Panic Attacks In A Teenager?

Posted on Wed, 18 Oct 2017

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 Answered on

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 16 year old daughter has been experiencing panic attacks for about 18 months. They have gotten worse over the last six months to the point that she hyperventilates, has to lay down, and has to come home from school because she cannot function. She becomes inconsolable. They happen out of nowhere without triggers that are consistent. She will be fine one minute and the next she is spiraling out of control. We have a history of anxiety in our family on both sides , including myself, her mother. Her pediatrician just keeps telling her to meditate or see a counselor. This has not helped her at all. It is a daily struggle and I would like to see if a medication that stays in her system could help. She has suffered no abuse or traumatic events in her life . What can I say to my doctor to get her some help. she is falling apart. it even wakes her up at night from time to time. I am at a loss. Can you please give me some suggestions? I am desperate to help my little girl. She says she just wants to feel happy and not be afraid of one of these episodes coming on. Help!!!!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
She should be given medicines.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

She is 16 and has no significant stress. Even with meditation or seeing a counsellor her symptoms are persisting. She is experiencing recurrent panic attacks for last 18 months. She says that she just want to be happy and has anticipatory anxiety of panic attacks too. Even during sleep she experiences panic. These symptoms can't be ignored and she should be evaluated properly.

Medical causes like Vitamin B12 deficiency, Thyroid issues like hyperthyroidism etc should be ruled out. Her vitamin B12 levels, thyroid function tests should be done in order to rule out these condition.

If these comes normal then a psychiatrist consultation should be sought. For panic disorder at her age Sertraline or Fluoxetine can be used. The drugs will help to reduce the panic attacks and her functioning will improve. Sertraline is safe SSRI drug and is free of serious side effects. For episodes of panic to abort the symptoms low dose benzodiazepines like Alprazolam (Xanax) or Clonazepam (Klonopin) can be used on SOS basis or when needed. You can visit a psychiatrist and take proper help.

Thanks and Take care

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad