“My child has panic attacks. What should I do?”
My son has panic attacks frequently--the first couple of times we took him to the emergency room, but now we actually try to take care of him at home. Do you have any tips to treat them at home? What's the best way to calm him down?
2 Answers
Make him comfortable and be sure he is not in danger.
You need to speak frankly with the child's pediatrician. There can be multiple origins to the situational/stress reaction that culminates in what is referred to as a "panic attack." Dietary issues, social stressors (school/home/other), learning or psychological conditions, among other potential diagnoses--and as different as they sound, as are the interventions and treatments that can help manage and reduce their occurrence. For the short term, when one comes on, calming tones and reassuring brief phrases while attempting to limit external stimulation (bright light/noises/movement in the area, all of which are found in excess in an Emergency Department) can help the child gain a foothold to attempt to self-soothe/de-effervesce and regain their sense of control. Focus on slow and steady breathing. Eyes closed usually helps, and ear muffs (compact and comfortable - -not for the firing range, but to help reduce environmental noise).
Donald W. Alves, MD,MS,FACEP
Donald W. Alves, MD,MS,FACEP
