Panic attacks/Anxiety in children

by Michelle
(Pennsylvania)

Hello. I have an 8yr. old daughter. Ever since I can remember she has been what I would call "very extreme & sensitive". She has all the signs you list on panic attacks. She will do this at night if she becomes afraid. This doesn't happen often, but it does not take much to trigger it.

She seems to also have test anxiety. I have tried calming her down with different techniques you have listed and nothing seems to help. She went to a therapist for about a 1yr. and it did not seem to work. I just do not know where to turn from here. She has always been this way. She comes from a very loving both parent home.

Nothing in her life has been traumatic. Where do I go from here.


Hi Michelle:

I know it must be frustrating trying to figure out how to get help for your child! Certainly, a child does not need to have any experience of trauma or family stress to have anxiety! Some of us are just born that way. Anxiety in children can just be the result of temperament.

I wonder what kind of therapy your daughter had?? A child with anxiety as you are describing might require very specific therapy targeting her anxiety. Is that something she received? Did you participate frequently?

A therapist should be, in my opinion, like a coach, helping you and your child explore what techniques and methods help.

I would try therapy again and make sure the therapist works with you and specializes in anxiety. You could be very clear about what you desire ( techniques to help her) and the history of treatment and techniques you've tried. If you still see no improvement in you child's anxiety then, your therapist might prescribe medication as an option.

Research is being done on meditation and yoga with anxiety in children, which can be combined with somatic therapy ( some work with the body) and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Its important to continue to try to help equip your daughter with the skills necessary to combat this anxiety, as it may be something she might struggle with through adulthood without treatment.


Good luck!!!