Panic attacks can be a bit different from person to person. Most often, they come on suddenly and unexpectedly. They usually involve physical symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, and sweating or chills. It can be hard to know what’s happening if the person has never had one before. 

Many adults learn about panic attacks for the first time when they’re caring for a teen who has them. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a panic attack feels like and what you should know as a caregiver.

What is a panic attack? 

Panic attacks are sudden, intense physical reactions to overwhelming fear. They usually last for less than 20 minutes. People may experience physical anxiety symptoms as well as a strong sense of impending doom. Like other anxiety disorders, panic attacks are more common among people who have a family history of mental health conditions and those who have co-occurring conditions. There are usually chemical imbalances in the brain and environmental factors that play a role in who has panic attacks.

Panic attacks are sometimes associated with specific phobias and conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other anxiety conditions. One panic attack can lead to more episodes in quick succession because a person is afraid of having another one. When a person has frequent panic attacks, they may be diagnosed with panic disorder, which enables them to receive specialized treatment.

What does a panic attack feel like? 

Many people who are having a panic attack for the first time say they feel like they’re going to die. Between heart palpitations, chest pain and shortness of breath, they may feel like they’re having a heart attack. The clearest signs that a person is having a panic attack are a sudden onset of symptoms and feelings of terror or impending doom. People often have racing thoughts, and it can be very hard to focus on anything besides their fears and the unsettling feelings in their bodies.

A person who is having a panic attack may experience the following symptoms:

• Feelings of terror
• A feeling that something bad is going to happen
• Fear of serious harm or death
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
• Fast heart rate
• Sweating or clammy palms
• Hyperventilation
• Shortness of breath
• Trembling
• Chills
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling of unreality or detachment

What else should parents and caregivers know about panic attacks in teens?

As a caregiver, you should know how to respond when your teen has a panic attack and learn about strategies that can help them calm down. Remain calm and speak in a slow and steady voice. Provide reassurance and move them to a quiet place. Guide them through some deep breaths and help them ground themselves in the present moment. Working on mindfulness and relaxation techniques when they’re not feeling stressed can help them build a “muscle memory” so they’ll know what to do the next time.

If your teen has had more than a couple of occasional panic attacks, or if the panic attacks are getting in the way of other life activities, your teen may benefit from mental health treatment. You can learn about the levels of care that are available and talk with your teen about getting help. Let them know you’re concerned without making judgments and ask them if they’re open to seeking treatment.

What other conditions might seem like a panic attack? 

Sometimes other types of symptoms and conditions can be mistaken for panic attacks and vice versa. Every anxiety episode isn’t necessarily a full-blown panic attack. Anxiety attacks aren’t as intense, and they usually come on more gradually. People who have undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorders may think they’re having a panic attack when they’re really experiencing emotional or sensory overwhelm. If their health care providers aren’t experienced with diagnosing or treating these conditions, they may be misdiagnosed and receive treatment that’s not helpful.

[Quote]The most important thing you can do is remain calm and help your teen start taking deep breaths. Remind them of any relaxation techniques they’ve practiced before.

Panic attacks are sometimes mistaken for heart attacks and other life-threatening conditions. When determining what types of self-care or treatment are needed, a person should consider their risk for heart disease and heart attack. They should also look for other symptoms of heart attack like fatigue or pain that spreads to the neck, shoulders and upper back. Most of the time, in teenagers, panic attacks are much more likely than heart attacks. However, if they have a strong feeling that something is wrong, it’s best to go to an emergency room for assessment.

Lightfully Teen treatments can help your teen learn to manage panic attacks

Panic attacks can be very scary, both for the people experiencing them and for their loved ones. The most important thing you can do is remain calm and help your teen start taking deep breaths. Remind them of any relaxation techniques they’ve practiced before. Once your teen has had some time to recover, it may be a good idea to talk about what you might do differently next time and create a plan together.

If outpatient psychotherapy and medication aren’t enough to help your teen manage their panic attacks, they may benefit from a higher level of treatment. Lightfully Teen programs combine aspects of several evidence-based practices to create personalized treatment experiences. Our Precision Care Model (PCM) helps ensure that teens and their families have skills and resources that work for them. 

Are you seeking treatment for a teen who has panic disorder or a related mental health condition? Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to schedule an assessment. You can also contact us with any questions about treatment.