By Lori Schweickert, MD | Pediatric & Adult Psychiatrist
By definition, panic attacks consist of a discrete and intense fear that peaks within 10 minutes and seems to come out of nowhere. Often, there is an urge to flee the place where the symptoms began because of feeling impending danger. Panic attacks are often felt as physical symptoms and thoughts that the person is “going crazy” or is going to die.
By Kathryn “Kat” North, LPA | Licensed Psychological Associate
Whatever you may think or believe, divorce changes families. How these changes affect children in the short term and over time is dependent upon several parent behaviors.
A psychiatric evaluation is, in its simplest terms, an evaluation designed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental conditions or disorders.
The initial evaluation will explore many aspects including developmental history, medical history, family history, social and environmental influences, academic/work concerns, and emotional and cognitive (thinking) strengths and weaknesses.
In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, we wanted to speak with an expert on school violence and response to violence in schools on how to handle speaking with children about the tragic event.
Below, Melissa E. DeRosier, PhD, President and Director of 3-C Institute for Social Development, answers a few questions most parents are currently asking themselves.
1. Should we ask our kids what they know about the recent shooting at the elementary school in Newtown, CT, or let them ask us? If we think our child may be worried about something, it’s usually best to ask them. They may be shy or even afraid to bring up the topic with you. However, it’s important not to dwell on the subject or provide more details than is developmentally appropriate for your child’s age. Children want to know that you are there for them and that they can come to you with any concerns or questions, so opening the door and letting them walk through is a good way to proceed.
2. Should we allow them to watch/listen to TV/radio coverage about the recent violence? Watching TV or other media coverage about the violence will not be helpful to your children. It will only bring more fears, questions, and worries for them. Broaching the subject, talking openly with them, and reassuring them as best you can will be much more helpful than exposing them to media coverage.
3. How should we address their fears of going to school/other places and worrying that this may happen again? Schools across the country have crisis plans that help prevent and manage crises that may occur on school grounds. In light of the tragic violence at Sandy Hook, many schools are likely reviewing these procedures with students. It may be helpful for you to acquaint yourself with these procedures and review them with your child. The purpose of this conversation is not to increase your child’s anxiety through too many details about events they can’t control, but rather to simply reassure your child that safety precautions and procedures are in place to protect students and to help your child know what he or she can do if any crisis were to happen at school.
Other Helpful Links
CARY, NC (December 17, 2012) — 3-C Family Services, PA, a research-based clinical practice consisting of psychology, psychiatry and counseling professionals, recently launched an enhanced website experience at www.3cfs.com.
The newly updated website features an easier to navigate interface, information specific to various age groups, an interactive group program calendar, social media integration, and bio videos on each clinician to make the selection process much easier when it comes to choosing a clinician.
QUOTE:
“We hope our current clients, as well as those looking for information on the services we provide, find the new 3-C website much more helpful and easier to use that the previous site,” said 3-C Family Services Director, Dr. Don Azevedo. “We’re excited about being able to have an online hub of constantly evolving information that can help children, adults and families.”
NEW MEDIA CONTENT:
3-C Family Services Twitter Page:
https://twitter.com/3CFamilyService
3-C Family Services Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/3CFamilyServices
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About 3-C Family Services, PA.:
3-C Family Services is a research-based clinical practice consisting of psychology, psychiatry and counseling professionals that work as a team to promote children’s positive mental health and social development and to strengthen family relationships. The clinicians at 3-C combine individual therapy, group sessions, and family services to best meet the needs of the entire family. For more information on 3-C Family Services, visit www.3cfs.com or call 919.677.0101.
