Psychiatria pre prax 3/2004

Panic disorder in children and adolescents – Part 2: Clinical Picture, Risk factors and therapy

Panic disorder in children and adolescents belongs to usually underestimated diagnoses in paedopsychiatry. The symptom frequency in children and adolescents does not differ substantially from the symptom frequency in adults. The comorbidity most often described in literature is agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and separation anxiety disorder. Anticipated risk factors comprise separation anxiety disorder, anxiety sensitivity, behavioral inhibition, smoking and drug abuse. Therapeutic experiences available include tricyclic antidepressants, clonazepam, alprazolam as well as SSRI antidepressants and cognitive – behavioral therapy.

Keywords: panic disorder, children, adolescents, comorbidity, risk factors, therapy.