Panic Anxiety Attacks


Panic anxiety attacks can affect anyone at any age, but are generally found to begin in young adults.

All Ages Can Panic

While children might not have the words to describe the anxiety attack, they are certainly susceptible to these episodes. Since their body is also capable of producing adrenaline in response to stress, they too can share many of the anxiety attack symptoms. However, they might simply cry or scream when they have the symptoms, as they're not sure what they are or how to handle the feelings. If a child begins to have troubles breathing or they complain of feeling lightheaded, this may be a sign of an anxiety attack, though checking in with their pediatrician is the best way to find out.

Most panic disorders will begin when a person is a young adult. With the growing stressors in their lives, they can be at risk for having a singular or multiple attacks. If the person also has a history of other mental health issues, they can suffer from more of these attacks than others the same age. For example, if you've had problems with depression in your life, you might also have troubles with anxiety. This is not always the case, but it is a possibility.

Do Genetics Play a Role?

While scientists have yet to discover the gene which is linked to anxiety attacks, it seems that patients who have families with panic attack problems also seem to be at a higher risk. Though this might have an environmental role (i.e. a stressful family situation causes multiple people in the family to panic), some researchers believe that family will play a role in the development of anxiety.

While panic anxiety attacks can cause troubles for those who encounter them, they are harmless in nature. However, if you have never experienced a panic attack before and you're not sure if it's a panic attack or a heart attack, it never hurts to head to the ER or to call your doctor to find out what they think you should do.