Anxiety and Panic Relief in Children

Anxiety and panic disorders often affect adults, however children also may experience feelings of panic and anxiety. If you believe your child suffers from feelings of panic or anxiety, the following treatments may provide relief.

Visit a Psychologist

• Children's psychologists are often used as a first step in treating panic and anxiety in children (because of the lack of medication) and focus on controlling the child's feelings. These specialists often help the child address underlying thoughts that may result in panic, and they help the child learn how to manage these experiences. A children's psychologist also may employ relaxation training and flooding as a means to reduce anxiety responses, and guided imagery and talk therapy to treat anxiety.

Reduce Anxiety Stimuli

• To help your child reduce feelings of anxiety and panic, try removing environmental stimulants that may fuel those feelings. Eliminate caffeine from the child's diet and minimize use of asthma medications, nasal decongestants, diet pills and cough medication, if possible, as these products often contain bronchodilators and theophylline, which may increase the occurrence of anxiety. In addition, ensure that your child is receiving an adequate amount of sleep each night, and reduce reduce stressful tasks and chores in the child's home, work and school.

Consider Medication

• If a psychologist is unable to help the child cope with feelings of panic or anxiety, medication may be used to help control the condition. Benzodiazepines are most commonly used to quickly reduce feelings of anxiety. Examples include Serax, Valium, Ativan, Librium and Klonopin. Serotonergic medications also are popular because of the short-term regiment; generally, children are prescribed the medication for four to six weeks. Examples include include Luvox, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.