Living with panic disorder, especially as a teen, can be extremely challenging and overwhelming. With the constant fear of experiencing a panic attack in public, it can feel like constantly being on edge. Panic disorder is part of what we treat at Family First. Our programming provides teens and families with support, education, and healthy coping skills to manage the intense emotions behind panic attacks.

Understanding panic disorder

Panic disorder can be particularly disruptive during the critical teenage years. It’s not just about experiencing panic attacks; it’s about living in fear of the next one. Panic attacks can be overwhelming and may include:

• Sudden and intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes
• Heart palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Trembling or shaking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Choking sensation
• Numbness or tingling
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
• Derealization or depersonalization (feeling unreal or detached from a sense of self)

These symptoms can be accompanied by a sense of losing control and that something catastrophic is happening. They can also lead to isolation and avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding places or situations where panic attacks have occurred in the past. This can greatly impact a teen’s daily life, school performance, and social interactions.

Panic attacks can also be silent

Sometimes, panic attacks aren’t outwardly noticeable. These are called “silent” or “internal” panic attacks. Silent panic attacks are just as stressful as noticeable panic attacks, and they can still reach the full criteria of a panic attack. Someone who’s panicking silently still feels intense dread and fear, sometimes even like nothing is real or that they’re not attached to their sense of self.

Silent panic attacks might even be more concerning to you. Noticeable episodes may at least have some clear signs—red face, sweating, shaking, fidgeting, and clear distress. With silent attacks, your teen might just show symptoms like:

• Go quiet
• Avoid eye contact
• Seem confused or distant
• Become pale
• Look tense and/or clench their hands and jaw

Our approach to teen panic disorder treatment

Our panic disorder treatment for adolescents goes beyond managing symptoms. We believe in treating the whole person—promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness through a stimulating and active daily routine. Plus, the Family First team engages teens in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including individual, group, and family therapy sessions.

Rather than just trying to modify their behavior, we help teens become curious about their mental health. This allows them to explore their feelings at the base level, helping them understand why they feel overwhelmed in certain situations. Once they start exploring these feelings, we help them learn ways to self-soothe, manage intense emotions, and find ways to live in the moment rather than fearing uncertain future events.

Supporting the whole family

We don’t just help your teen—we are dedicated to supporting the whole family. During their time at our South Florida center, your teen will receive personalized treatment while parents engage in their own healing journeys to create a safe, supportive home.

Engaging panic disorder treatment for adolescents

Therapy isn’t the only thing your teen gets to experience during their time at Family First. We also provide:

• Weekly psychiatric support
• Fun activities with others their age, like paddleboarding and fishing
• Creative outlets like expressive arts and music
• Challenging exercises at our CrossFit gym

Keeping your teen engaged in the healing process helps them realize that their mental health requires more than a short-term fix. It’s something they have to constantly nurture and maintain.

Parental involvement

We keep parents and referral sources updated on therapy sessions, case management, and educational planning. Parents also learn how to identify key issues and create a healthier home environment, ensuring that the recovery process continues even after discharge. Regular family therapy sessions and parent groups provide invaluable support.

After your teen finishes treatment, we provide a minimum of 12 months of aftercare support. We want to ensure that your teen and family have all the tools and resources needed to continue the journey toward wellness.

Enroll your teen in panic disorder treatment in Florida at Family First

At Family First Adolescent Services, we’re not just about treating symptoms—we’re about nurturing resilience, fostering growth, and empowering teens to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Our mental health treatment programs are led by a team of licensed professionals with more than 120 years of combined clinical experience helping people manage their mental health. We know that panic disorder isn’t something that that has a quick fix but requires exploration of deeper feelings and situations. Your teen can find a better way forward—a path they’re not nervous to take. Call 888.904.5947 or contact us online to find help now.