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Panic disorder in a child with recurrent chest pain
Sensin Hasçelik1, Sema Ozer, Yasemen Taner
1Departments of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|May 8, 2007
Summary
Pediatric chest pain can be a symptom of panic disorder (PD), not just a cardiac issue. Early diagnosis and treatment of PD in children and adolescents prevent unnecessary tests and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Chest pain is a common presenting complaint in pediatric emergency departments.
- Cardiac and other organic causes are often investigated extensively.
- Family history may include psychiatric conditions such as panic disorder.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with recurrent chest pain and dizziness.
- Extensive work-up excluded organic etiologies for his symptoms.
- A family history of panic disorder was noted.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with panic disorder (PD).
- Paroxetine therapy led to a significant reduction in chest pain episodes.
- Early diagnosis of PD is crucial for effective management.
Implications:
- Recognizing PD in pediatric chest pain can prevent unnecessary medical investigations and reduce healthcare costs.
- Physicians should consider psychiatric referrals for unexplained pediatric chest pain.
- Pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral therapies are effective for PD in pediatric populations.
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