Panic Attacks
Helping Young Individuals Manage Sudden Episodes of Fear and Anxiety
Panic attacks can be overwhelming — not just for the child experiencing them, but also for the adults trying to help. These intense episodes of fear may strike without warning, leaving children breathless, dizzy, or terrified that something bad is happening.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we help young people and their families understand panic attacks and build tools to manage them safely and confidently. Learn more about our Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Services here.
When Fear Arrives Without Warning
Panic attacks hit fast – racing heart, shortness of breath, the feeling that something terrible is happening – and for a child who doesn’t understand what’s going on, that experience can be terrifying. Our child psychiatry team helps young people name what they’re feeling and build real tools to manage it.
Physical Symptoms That Have an Emotional Root
Chest tightness, dizziness, shaking, nausea parents often rush to the ER before anyone mentions anxiety. If your child keeps experiencing physical symptoms and tests keep coming back normal, panic disorder may be worth exploring with a specialist.
Panic Attacks Can Start as Early as Age Five
Young children can experience panic episodes too – they just describe them differently. Crying for no clear reason, clinging, refusing to go places, saying their heart feels “funny” – these can all be early signs. A careful evaluation tells parents what they’re actually dealing with.
Avoidance Is the Part That Grows
One panic attack is manageable. The problem is what happens next – when a child starts avoiding school, friends, or anything that might trigger another episode. That avoidance pattern is what our team focuses on breaking, gently and systematically, through cognitive-behavioral therapy.
What Parents Do During a Panic Attack Matters
The instinct to reassure children is right, but the way it’s done can either calm the episode or accidentally reinforce the fear. We coach parents on exactly how to respond – what to say, what to avoid, and how to help a child feel safe without feeding the anxiety.
Care Available Across Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
Our child psychiatry team supports families at multiple locations across the UAE. Whether your child’s panic attacks are recent or have been building for months, our specialists provide assessment, therapy, and parent coaching in a calm, child-centered environment.
What Are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear that come on quickly and reach a peak within minutes. They may occur without an obvious trigger and often involve physical symptoms such as:
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or shaking
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Feeling detached or “not real”
- Fear of losing control or dying
Children may not have the words to explain what’s happening. Instead, they may cry, cling, freeze, or feel like they’re choking. These episodes can be frightening — but they are treatable.
When to Seek Help
Panic attacks are more than just “nerves” or everyday worry. Consider a psychological evaluation if your child:
- Has repeated, intense episodes of fear that seem to come out of nowhere
- Avoids school, social events, or leaving home due to fear of another attack
- Complains of chest pain, breathlessness, or nausea with no medical explanation
- Becomes increasingly withdrawn or fearful
- Experiences panic symptoms during specific situations (e.g., crowds, enclosed spaces)
Early support can prevent panic from limiting your child’s daily life.
How We Help at KidsHeart
Our care process is calm, respectful, and child-centered. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Parent-Child Assessment: We explore what the episodes look like, what your child feels, and when they happen.
- Emotional and Behavioral Screening: We assess for anxiety disorders, stress patterns, or related concerns like trauma or social anxiety.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): We teach children how to notice fear signals, reframe thoughts, and use calming strategies.
- Panic Management Tools: Breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and body awareness activities help reduce fear in the moment.
- Parent Coaching: We guide you on how to respond helpfully during and after panic episodes — without reinforcing the fear.
- School Collaboration: When needed, we work with schools to reduce triggers and ensure safe, supportive environments.
Each care plan is adapted to the child’s age, emotional readiness, and personal goals.
Why Families Turn to KidsHeart
- Deep experience in pediatric anxiety and emotional disorders
- Therapy sessions tailored to the child’s unique fears and coping patterns
- Parent-friendly guidance that’s practical and realistic
- Coordinated care across home, school, and clinic settings
- Locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain for ongoing support
We don’t just treat panic — we help children feel in control of their own minds and bodies again.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Al-izz
Specialist Psychiatrist
Jordanian Board Certification
Dr. Muhammad S. Tahir
Consultant Psychiatrist – American Board
Dr. Mohamed Abdelbadie
Specialist Psychiatry – Egyptian Board
Helping Children Breathe Easier — One Step at a Time
If your child is experiencing panic attacks, know that you’re not alone. With the right support, children can learn to face fear with confidence.
Book a child psychiatry consultation in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Al Ain today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
They feel frightening but are not physically harmful. However, they can impact a child’s functioning and well-being without support.
Even children as young as 5 or 6 can experience panic symptoms, especially if they’re sensitive or have a family history of anxiety.
In most cases, therapy is the first step. Medication may be considered if symptoms are severe or not improving.
Some children improve naturally, but many benefit from learning tools to prevent fear from taking over.
We work with teachers to make classroom settings safer and help your child return to learning with less fear.