A member asked:

My almost 9yr old having panic attacks.i have anxiety really really bad.i was thnking about taking her to the er its been hrs.what will they do 4 her?

7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

In distress?: Unless your child is in acute distress with these attacks, the er isn't the best place for her to receive care for panic attacks. For the best help, she needs an in-person evaluation with her pediatrician and/or a child psychiatrist. In the doctor's office they would interview her and you, try to understand what's happening, and recommend helpful treatments. The er would stabilize and refer her.

Answered 5/8/2018

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Therapy vs ER: Adult or child, an er visit may only make panic worse. Likely they will 1) confirm that it is not something else physical that needs treatment ; 2) may rx a few pills (tranquilizers) ; 3) probably also suggest therapy. Most of all er will be a long time waiting to be seen, very unpleasant if anxious. Find a psychotherapist who treats children w panic attacks, esp one who uses exposure therapy.

Answered 5/8/2018

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Likely nothing: Most er's will not initiate treatment for panic attacks in a 9 year old, nor is that the appropriate place for that to happen. Likely, they would just give you referral information to a local psychiatric facility of doctor and tell you to contact them in the morning. If her condition is threatening her life, then they would refer her for inpatient psychiatric treatment.

Answered 5/8/2018

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