Panic Disorder in Adolescents / Teens

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? 2.3% lifetime, US ages 13–18
Is it more common among adolescents / teens? Increases through adolescence
Are adolescents / teens at higher risk? Yes vs childhood
How much higher is the risk? 1.8% ages 13–14 → 3.3% ages 17–18 (US lifetime)
How often can it be missed? Moderate
Does it show up differently among adolescents / teens? Somewhat
How might it look different? Avoidance of school/social settings; anticipatory anxiety
What commonly occurs alongside it? Agoraphobia; depression; other anxiety disorders
What can it be confused with? Social anxiety; GAD; substance-induced panic
Common screening tool PDSS-SR / DSM panic severity measure
Separate screening tool for adolescents / teens DSM-5-TR Child 11–17 measure
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