Panic Attacks in Teenagers

[pindy]

My 15 year old DD has just (last 10 days) started to have panic attacks on a daily basis. We have been to the doctors, informed school etc.

She is a bright, cheerful, confident girl usually but obviously these are frightening her and she wants them to go away.

We have talked lots and also with a school consellor. I believe the problem is stress, she recently moved school (her choice) and has settled in brilliantly etc but it still must have been a nerve wracking time.

Anyone know of any good books with help and tips etc on this issue specifically for teens - or any books.

Thanks for reading this.

Panic attacks are so frightening. I can understand how your daughter feels as you think you are dying. They appear from nowhere and once you know they are coming this makes it worse as you panic more. I started suffering from PA at about 17. Have not had one for nearly 15 years. What has the GP said about dealing with them?

The breathing into a paper bag when they happen. Trying to concentrate on breathing and slowing it down. We are going back next week to see how things are - but at the moment there is no change.

I can talk to her and she understands and we are doing lots of relaxation etc (I am an holistic therapist so using all my treats and skills that I can muster!!!)

School are being wonderful and she can see matron when she needs to - it has happened in front of her friends twice now - so at least the know and now can help her.

She imagines all sorts with her body (bits popping out) and also if she has been asked to do something she is unsure about - never ever been a problem before - which is why she finds it so bewildering.

Thanks for responding.

If it's any comfort I kind of 'grew out of them'...hope she does the same...

How long did it take to grow out of them?

Hopefully not too long ;-)

Still looking for some good books.

I think all in all they lasted for about 6 months and then went! TBH not sure why they appeared in the first place....has she been on any medication recently which could have triggered PA? Just a thought.

Antibiotics a couple of weeks ago as she had an infected ear lobe! Before that - years ago - normally very fit, well and healthy.

She did have to help a friend who colapsed a couple of weeks ago, she had to hold the oxygen mask over her face and hold her hand whilst the paramedics took blood. It was quite a shock for her, especially as she has never been too keen on needles.

This may have been a trigger coupled with other issues.

any ideas for books please?

bump

Sorry Pindy I do not know of any books off hand but will ask a friend of mine who is a GP. Will get back to you.

Thanks Karen, that would be great. I looked on Amazon and as you can imagine there are loads of them, want a quite straight forward one, maybe funny, aimed at teenagers preferably - not asking a lot I know ;-)