A 15-year-old patient with a history of anxiety is experiencing palpitations, dizziness, nausea, diaphoresis, and...

Panic attacksare common in adolescents and present withsympathetic overdrivesymptoms—palpitations, dyspnea, dizziness, chest discomfort, nausea, and diaphoresis. A history of anxiety strongly supports this diagnosis, especially in the absence of objective cardiac or respiratory findings.

“Panic attacks in adolescents can mimic cardiopulmonary emergencies. The presence of a prior anxiety disorder and resolution of symptoms without intervention support the diagnosis.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Psychosocial, Mental Health Emergencies)