Panic Disorder

January 1st 2002

Primary care providers are thefirst responders for many childrenwho are clearly manifestingemotional and psychologicalreactions to the recentterrorist attacks and ongoing threatsof terrorism and war. You can facilitatetimely and appropriate referral tomental health services for such childrenand their parents. Bear in mind,however, that many children and parentswho would benefit from supportiveservices and/or counseling will notbe self-identified. Thus, all cliniciansneed to maintain a heightened awarenessfor trauma-related symptoms,such as somatization, and help thesefamilies begin to address the underlyingpsychological issues.