Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Breaking the Cycle of Fear: Successful Treatment of Panic Disorder in a 10-Year-Old Girl |
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| Contribution code | D2.074 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aim: Panic disorder in children is a relatively rare yet potentially debilitating condition.In an epidemiological study conducted in our country, which included 5,830 children aged 6 to 13 years, the prevalence of panic attacks was found to be 0.05%.Effective management often involves psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination of both. Case: A 10-year-old girl presented to our clinic with complaints of shortness of breath and dizziness, which had persisted for six months. She had no prior psychiatric history. The symptoms initially presented as shortness of breath and dizziness.Over time, these episodes became more frequent.She developed avoidance behaviors, including reluctance to attend school and difficulty leaving her home. During this period, she frequently sought emergency care, but no underlying medical condition was identified. A clinical assessment based on DSM-5 criteria confirmed panic disorder. Treatment began with sertraline at 25 mg/day, gradually increased to 50 mg/day. Concurrently, a 10-session cognitive-behavioral therapy program was planned and implemented. The first session focused on psychoeducation about panic disorder and the introduction of relaxation techniques to manage anxiety symptoms. Subsequent sessions incorporated interoceptive exposure therapy, wherein physical symptoms of anxiety were deliberately induced under controlled conditions to reduce sensitivity to these sensations. For example, the patient was asked to engage in brisk stair climbing, causing an increase in her heart rate, a symptom she associated with panic attacks. This process allowed the patient to observe the temporary nature of her symptoms, reinforcing her ability to manage the accompanying anxiety. Although initially resistant to these exercises, the patient was able to successfully perform them with the therapist's support and realized that her symptoms were manageable. Over the course of the 10 weekly sessions, her symptoms gradually diminished.Her ability to engage in social and daily life activities was fully restored.The patient’s CBT sessions were concluded, and her sertraline dosage was reduced to 25 mg/day. Result:This case emphasizes the critical role of exposure therapy in addressing the core mechanisms of panic disorder, such as the misinterpretation of bodily sensations and fear of losing control.Clinicians should consider incorporating exposure techniques early in treatment plans to accelerate symptom relief and improve overall outcomes. |