- Why do we find it so difficult to control anxiety?
- What triggers an anxiety attack, both emotionally and physically?
- What are the first symptoms?
- Can an anxiety attack be prevented?
- If we start to notice the first symptoms, what should we do?
- Are the symptoms the same for everyone? In other words, if we've had one anxiety attack, should we look for the same symptoms to detect a second one?
- What should we never do if we are having an anxiety attack?
- What should I do to avoid self-harm when I have an anxiety attack?
- How can we help someone having an anxiety attack? Should we give them space, or should we hug and comfort them?
- Can everyone have an anxiety attack, or are some people more prone to it?
- What guidelines do you give to prevent anxiety attacks?
- Are the symptoms of an anxiety attack in children different from those in adults?
- What tools can we apply during an anxiety crisis manifested by stomach pain, vomiting, or crying that can cause a rapid mood improvement in a 12-year-old adolescent girl?
- Is there a phrase or keyword that can help someone experiencing a crisis? If we agree on that phrase or word with them beforehand, can it help?
- Which people are more likely to experience anxiety before an exam or a job interview?
- Can an anxiety attack cause a rise in blood pressure?
- If we have persistent anxiety attacks over time, can we develop heart problems?
- Can an anxiety attack be masking a physical ailment? How can we tell if physical pain is truly caused by anxiety?
- In the event of an anxiety attack during a game or sporting competition, how should the coaches act?
- What is the relationship between anxiety and social phobia?
- As nurses, how can we help in an anxiety crisis?
- Often we're tempted to intervene, but sometimes less is more... And I understand that someone experiencing an anxiety attack also needs their space. What do you recommend not doing? What mistakes do you think healthcare professionals make most frequently?
- How can we manage an anxiety attack in the 10 or 12 minutes we have available in a consultation to see patients? Are there any express tools for professional support and help?
Are the symptoms of an anxiety attack in children different from those in adults?
Anxiety in children is quite common. We're talking about a stage of life marked by many changes and a great deal of vulnerability, with insecurities, fears, and worries. If we add to all this other circumstances such as family problems, losses, difficulties at school, or potentially traumatic experiences or events, the potential for anxiety can worsen.
All of this can lead to the presence of certain behaviors or symptoms such as, among others, irritability, sadness, sleep disturbances, physical discomfort (abdominal pain sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite, headache, fatigue), poor academic performance and social isolation.
In the vast majority of cases, strong support from family and close friends, allowing them to express their feelings, and the search for solutions will help to turn the situation around. Establishing healthy, calm daily routines, with time for both leisure and school, will help improve these difficult times. It is also important to establish bedtime routines.
In any case, it is advisable to report the discomfort to the referring pediatrician so that they are familiar with the case and can also assess the need to refer it to the specialist mental health team of the child and adolescent network.
