Most teens, just like any adult, feel anxiety from time to time as a normal reaction to stressors. Things like dating, playing in sports, tests, meeting new people and public speaking are just some examples of what can cause anxious feelings. But, when these anxious feelings get out of control, or, come on for no apparent reason, this is called a Panic or Anxiety Attack.

Typical symptoms can include:

· Pounding heartbeat

· difficulty breathing

· paralyzing terror

· nervousness

· shaking

· feeling of dread

· dizziness, lightheadedness or trembling

· difficulty swallowing

· chest pains

· fearful

· anxious

· nausea

· hot flashes, sweating or sudden chills

· tingling in fingers or toes

· fearful that you're going to go crazy or are about to die

Please note, if your teenager has never had a panic attack before, I would definitely see a doctor just to make sure that they are in deed having a panic attack instead of something more severe like a heart attack. Especially with symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pains.

Each one of these symptoms can be nerve racking, less alone, putting them together. Each teen that experiences a panic attack may have some or all of these symptoms. They may not even have the same symptoms each time they have a panic attack.

There are a number of remedies available for Panic Attacks:

Medication
Severe cases of panic attacks may require prescription drugs to control or reduce its symptoms. Prescription drugs may be antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants may take some weeks to take effect so it is important to continuously take medications and not just during an attack. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, have quick relief effects, usually within 30 minutes, but they are highly addictive, thus it should be used with caution. Remember that medication should not be the first treatment option as there are other effective ways to combat the effects of anxiety.

Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective ways to treat panic attacks. CBT focuses on the thinking pattern of the patients and replaces negative thoughts with positive ones.

Exposure therapy exposes the person to the physical sensations of panic in a safe and controlled environment. Through repeated exposure, patients gain greater self control and more confidence in facing fearful situation.

Natural Remedies
Proper diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep bring balance to the body, which help reduce the episodes of panic attacks.

Massage, aromatherapy, relaxation and breathing techniques promote wellness, relax muscles and ease muscle tension.

Herbal treatments naturally relieve stress and restlessness associated with panic attacks, thus solving the panic attack problem.

Thinking positively and talking to a supportive person can help stop the occurrence of panic attacks.

I hope this article has given you a better understanding of panic attacks in teenagers. Remember, a teenager is going through a lot of growing stages and trying to learn to be an individual along with trying to fit in. All this can cause major stress. Learning to talk about their problems ahead of time and having supportive parents or other supportive figures in their lives is a great start to helping teens face panic attacks head on and getting onto the road of recovery.