Condition
Panic Disorder in Children and Teens
A panic attack is defined as an episode of intense fear and anxiety including both physical symptoms and fearful thoughts. Panic disorder is diagnosed when a child has recurring panic attacks and ongoing concern about having more attacks for longer than one month. Children and teens with panic disorder sometimes avoid going places or avoid engaging in activities out of fear that a panic attack might occur. Although individual panic attacks are common, panic attacks that occur repeatedly are rare. They typically happen in only one to three percent of children and teens. Panic disorder usually does not affect children before the teenage years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of panic disorder in children and teens?
How is panic disorder diagnosed in children and teens?
How is panic disorder treated in children and teens?
Anxiety Treatment at Children's National Hospital
The Anxiety Disorders Program is a specialized treatment clinic devoted to carefully assessing and effectively treating a wide range of anxiety disorders common among children and adolescents. Discover more about the treatments we offer.
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Providers Who Treat Panic Disorder
Lilia Mucka Andrew, PhD
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Departments
Mi-Young Ryee, PhD
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Ayman Saleh, MD
- Medical Director, Ambulatory Psychiatry and Takoma Theatre Outpatient Clinic
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Ayman Saleh, MD
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Laura Marie Willing, MD
- Co-Director, Anxiety Disorders Program
- DCMAP Children's National Hospital Site Lead
- Associate Program Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Training Program
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Laura Marie Willing, MD
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Departments
Aasha's Rare Gift Will Help Other Babies Grow up HealthyTesting the descrption field
Departments that Treat Panic Disorder
Psychology and Behavioral Health
In the Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, our child psychologists and other mental health professionals work exclusively with children and teens, emphasizing patient and family-focused care.
