Panic Disorder

Definition

A panic attack is something that happens when a person experiences a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is really no sign of danger or anything causing the fear. The panic disorder usually starts to appear in adulthood but, children are able to have panic disorder along with panic-like symptoms (Anxiety and Depression Association of America). The way that someone is to manifest this disorder is going through a severe amount of stress of a tragedy in one's life. To be able to get a diagnosis of panic disorder one would need to go see their “primary care provider” (Mayo Clinic). When getting your diagnosis you may have to go through a “physical exam, blood test, or a psychological evaluation” (Mayo Clinic).

According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “2-3% of Americans experience panic disorder in a given year and it is twice as common in women than in men.” It is said that someone who has panic disorder tends to also have agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is when someone fears going into places or situations that might cause them to panic which most times people feel trapped in the situation or place they are in (Mayo Clinic).

Symptoms

pounding heart or chest pain (feeling like having a heart attack)
shortness of breath
dizziness, hot flashes, or chills
nausea
sweating, shaking, or tingling in fingers or toes
feeling like a loss of control, or having a fear of dying or other unrealistic thoughts

Affects on Learning

Children or adults who have panic disorder will find it very hard to go through school or events in their life. Some will refuse to go to places with friends, family, or alone just due to the fear that something may happen. School could be very overwhelming for the student as well especially if the school and teacher isn’t prepared to make accommodations for that student. This disorder will have a very big effect on their life if they do not try to help themselves or learn ways to overcome their attacks. However, with time and constant routine the child or adult will surely be able to figure out what will work best for them in the long run.

Instructional Strategy

Parents- Here are just a few things that parents can do to help their child gain some control over their fear and what they could do to make their child feel comfortable:

Do not ask many questions about the child's anxiety.
Model calmness and confidence.
Don’t punish mistakes or lack of progress (ADAA).
Be flexible with your child but try to keep a normal routine going (ADAA).

Teachers- These are just a few of the things that we as educators could do to help make accommodations to our students who have panic disorder and ease their anxiety:

keeping communications open with the student, parents or guardians, and school counselors and trying to identify triggers that may cause panic attacks (Gupta, 2014).
providing a safe place and a cue system in which the student signals the teacher that a panic attack might be coming and the student needs to take a time-out (Gupta, 2014).
adjusting the amount of classwork and homework (Gupta, 2014).
encouraging the entire class to use relaxation techniques throughout the day (Gupta, 2014).
encouraging students to exercise regularly, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety in patients with panic disorder (Gupta, 2014).
Help after illness: Missed work can spike anxious feelings. Providing class notes and exempting students from missed homework can help (Hurley, 2018).
Substitute teachers: Letting the child or family know when a substitute will be in the classroom can help the child prepare (Hurley, 2018).

Schools- Here are a few things that the overall school could do to make accommodations as well for the students with panic disorder:

Extra time and warnings before transitions (Hurley, 2018)
Extended time for tests (Hurley, 2018)
Tests taken in a separate, quiet environment (Hurley, 2018)
“Cool down passes” to take a break from the classroom (Hurley, 2018).
Letting the student see a counselor or someone they feel comfortable talking to when feeling overwhelmed (Hurley, 2018).

Research

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376027 This link will discuss the different treatments a person will go through when being diagnosed with panic disorder. Along with what to expect during your doctor's appointment and a list of questions you could ask your primary care provider.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms/index.shtml This link will discuss specific types of medications a person with panic disorder might have, where to find some help,what causes panic disorder, and some symptoms that go along with it.
https://childmind.org/article/panic-attacks-best-treatments/ This link will discuss some treatments for those who have panic disorder and give people some more knowledge about what is panic disorder.

Useful Website

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290177.php This link will discuss how a person with panic disorder could calm themseleves when experiencing an attack.
http://ibpf.org/article/9-tips-help-you-get-through-panic-attack This link will discuss some more tips on how people with panic disorder can get through a panic attack.
https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/hw53602 This link will discuss how someone who sees a friend, loved one, or stranger experiencing a panic attack will be able to help that person.

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