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Panic disorder in children and adolescents
1Section on Affective and Anxiety Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Summary
Panic disorder, a common psychiatric condition, typically begins in adolescence but is increasingly recognized in children. This review examines existing literature and presents six new cases, suggesting future research avenues.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Panic disorder is a prevalent psychiatric condition with a typical onset during adolescence.
- Recent literature suggests an emerging recognition of panic disorder in pediatric populations.
- Understanding early-onset panic disorder is crucial for timely intervention.
Observation:
- The clinical presentation of panic disorder in children and adolescents is reviewed.
- Six distinct pediatric cases of panic disorder are presented.
- Case studies illustrate the variability in symptoms and diagnosis.
Findings:
- Panic disorder is being increasingly identified in prepubertal and adolescent populations.
- Early recognition and diagnosis of panic disorder in youth are essential.
- The reviewed literature and presented cases underscore the need for specific diagnostic criteria for pediatric panic disorder.
Implications:
- This research highlights the importance of considering panic disorder in the differential diagnosis of childhood anxiety.
- Further research is needed to establish effective treatment protocols for early-onset panic disorder.
- Findings suggest a need for increased awareness and training among clinicians regarding pediatric panic disorder.