What Teachers Should Know Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person experiences panic attacks. A panic attack is when someone has a sudden, intense physical response with a feeling of unexplained and paralyzing fear. A panic attack can happen for no apparent reason and the person may have sudden and intense physical symptoms that may last 10 to 20 minutes. The symptoms can include: 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 Mild worrying in kids and teens is normal. But a panic attack may dramatically affect a student's life by interrupting normal activities. Many kids and teens have a single panic attack, which does not require intervention because it doesn't happen again. But students with panic disorder may: have difficulty concentrating in class or completing classwork miss class time due to problems coping at school, or needing to talk with a school counselor or therapist need to visit the school nurse to take medication for anxiety feel self-conscious or isolated, and avoid places and situations that they think they might cause a panic attack What Teachers Can Do Students with anxiety disorders may have difficulty completing classwork and homework, which can cause panic attacks and possibly lead to panic disorder. Teachers can help ease anxiety levels by: keeping communications open with the student, parents or guardians, and school counselors and trying to identify triggers that may cause panic attacks 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 adjusting the amount of classwork and homework encouraging the entire class to use relaxation techniques throughout the day encouraging students to exercise regularly, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety in patients with panic disorder Students with panic attacks or panic disorder need encouragement and, sometimes, just someone to listen. A flexible and supportive environment will help improve your student's class participation and encourage the student to develop coping skills. Back to Articles Related Articles 5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety We all get worried or nervous about things. Here are 5 ways to control anxiety. Read More Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a natural part of life, and most of us experience it from time to time. But for some people, anxiety can be extreme. Read More Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and all kids experience it. But when it becomes extreme, it can interfere with a child's overall happiness. Read More Going to a Therapist What's it like to go to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist? Find out in this article for kids. Read More Going to a Therapist Getting help with emotions or stress is the same as getting help with a medical problem like asthma or diabetes. This article explains how therapy works and how it can help with problems. Read More School Counselors School counselors can give you all sorts of tips and support on solving problems and making good decisions. But how do you meet with a counselor and what is it like? Find out here. Read More Taking Your Child to a Therapist Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better. Read More School Counselors School counselors know how to listen and can help kids with life's challenges. Read More Normal Childhood Fears It's normal for children to feel afraid at times. Parents can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.