DISORDERS

Panic Disorder With and Without Agoraphobia

Click her to listen to Dr. Seoka Salstrom discuss treatment about panic.

Approximately 3% of the adult populations suffer from panic disorder. Twice as many girls and women are likely to suffer from panic disorder than are boys and men. Children who suffer from panic disorder get sudden seemingly inexplicable physical symptoms that they fear and mistakenly believe might be symptoms of illness, fainting, heart attack, insanity or impending loss of control or impending death. The sudden onset of multiple feared physical symptoms is called a panic attack. When children begin to avoid situations that they think might trigger panic attacks, then they are diagnosed as having agoraphobia. Agoraphobia can make children refuse to go to school, or to constantly visit the school nurse’s office. Frequently they may complain of GI distress or vague illnesses that are not accompanied by fever or signs of infection. Children with agoraphobia may find that situations that do not offer the chance of quick escape are difficult or impossible. The may avoid movies, assemblies, PE classes or traveling outside their “safety zone.” Frequently children with agoraphobia rely upon “safety signals” to help them live their daily lives, things that they believe will keep them safe from panic such as carrying anxiety medication, only traveling with a parent, only going places with a cell phone to use to call for help, or only traveling to places that are very familiar.

Treatment for panic disorder includes interoceptive exposure. Interoceptive exposure is practicing inducing the physical symptoms associated with panic. Treatment may also include in vivo exposure, which is practicing the real life situations that panic makes your child avoid. Cognitive therapy is also used to help your child learn to identify the mistaken beliefs that promote anxiety and avoidance and to successfully challenge them. AATC staff will help your child, overcome their agoraphobia by practicing the real life situations that panic makes difficult. Staff will accompany you and your child during activities that panic makes difficult. Our goal is to ensure that your child learns to regain their lifestyle regardless of panic.

LEARN MORE

For more detailed information about panic disorder and agoraphobia and the science behind the treatments that AATC provides, go to:
Adaa.org