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Panic disorder in children at high risk for depression
D L Moreau1, M Weissman, V Warner
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Panic disorder, previously thought not to occur in children, is now recognized by structured interviews. This condition, presenting similarly to adult panic disorder, can manifest even before puberty.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Conventional clinical wisdom historically excluded panic disorder in pediatric populations.
- Previous assumptions were based on limited diagnostic approaches.
- The understanding of childhood anxiety disorders is evolving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of panic disorder in children.
- To determine if panic disorder in children mirrors the adult symptom pattern.
- To establish the earliest age of onset for pediatric panic disorder.
Main Methods:
- Utilized structured diagnostic interviews for accurate assessment.
- Applied diagnostic criteria consistent with adult panic disorder.
- Focused on a pediatric cohort, including pre-pubertal children.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the presence of panic disorder in children.
- The symptom pattern in children is comparable to that observed in adults.
- Panic disorder has been identified in children prior to puberty.
Conclusions:
- Panic disorder is a valid diagnosis in the pediatric population.
- Early identification and intervention for childhood panic disorder are warranted.
- This finding challenges previous clinical assumptions regarding pediatric anxiety.