Panic attacks in a 12 year old

[Ilovepugs2017]

My son (12) keeps saying he feels faint and then his heart starts racing and he starts screaming saying he’s going to die and his chest hurts etc. The fainting has been investigated previously by docs at the hospital appointment but I’m wondering whether he’s having panic attacks too when he’s getting the sensation that he feels like he’s going to faint. Anyone got any experience of this?

DS experienced some anxiety and panic attacks at similar age and was lucky to get some early intervention CBT via a CAMHS team in school which has really helped.
I would strongly recommend seeking help ASAP via GP or school

There's loads of good resources online to help teens manage anxiety.
E.g.
www.kooth.com/
www.42ndstreet.org.uk/support/read/

Thanks so much. I will contact the GP asap and inform the school when he goes back and see if they can help. I have noticed changes in mood and behaviour with him

Good luck!
I think an important aspect is them understanding the physiology of a panic attack and accepting they need to ride through it and know they're not going to die!
This is good info

Following

Now at A&E and wondering whether there’s something else going on as he’s got increased thirst, heart racing really bad at various points throughout the day and feeling dizzy etc!

Hope he's ok and you get some answers / reasons for his symptoms

We are back home now. They think it’s vasovagal synycope & also that the feeling faint may be scaring him and then bringing on panic attacks

Hope DS is doing ok.
Found this resource saved in my files which DS found helpful