panic attacks

[dusty891]

My 4 yr old daughter has started having panic attacks thru the day and also at night. She could have 4-6 during the day. They last from 20 secs to a min. But not longer. It disrupts her sleep also. What can we do to help get thru this and sleep better? It would help to know of other parents who have gone thru this. Thank u!!

[nene38]

Ok I'm 37 yrs old and I can tell you she can have panic attacks that early. I had them that young but wasn't diagnosed until the age of 18. Please go and get her diagnosed now, it will save her so much emotional pain.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Perhaps you have done this already but, if not, be sure to have her evaluated medically. Why? Because panic attacks, again in the strict sense of the term, involve the activity of the autonomic nervous system and this aspect of the central nervous syetm can be influenced by a variety of medical conditions.

[dusty891]

I have no idea. They just happen at random times and places. I have been keeping a journal of what times, activities, etc. Not seeing a pattern.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It is unusual for a child so young to have panic attacks in the strict sense of the word. What prompts these episodes?