If you have had a panic attack, talking to your doctor is a good place to start. If you have more panic attacks, then you may have panic disorder, and should see your doctor.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can resemble symptoms of a heart attack or another health emergency. If you're experiencing an anxiety attack for the first time, or you're concerned in any way about your health, call 911 or head to the nearest ER.
But if you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder. Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.
For those who are experiencing a panic attack, a trip to the emergency room might feel necessary. And while ER doctors can give medication to help calm you down, most panic attacks are probably not something you absolutely need to go to the ER for.
At the hospital
If you go the emergency room, you may have an EKG, blood tests, and a chest X-ray to make sure you're not having a heart attack or other serious problem. The doctor may also give you medicine to help you relax. Talk to your doctor or a therapist if you have panic attacks often.
An ER doctor can walk you through various breathing exercises to help relieve some of that anxiety and improve your breathing, and if necessary, they can also prescribe anti-anxiety medication. Not only will you find relief visiting the ER, but you'll also be more prepared for future panic attacks.
Many patients who primarily suffer from symptoms of anxiety seek treatment in a general hospital, especially in the emergency department.
The number of panic attacks you have will depend on how severe your condition is. Some people may have one or two attacks each month, while others may have several attacks a week. Read more about the symptoms of panic disorder. Panic attacks can be very frightening and intense, but they're not dangerous.
The treatment of your stress will vary greatly depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing and how severe they are. Treatment can range from simple reassurance to inpatient care and evaluation in a hospital setting.
It's very common to have a panic attack or two over the course of your life, but up to 4.7% of people experience recurring attacks. Over time, panic attacks can become more frequent. The more attacks you experience, the more you might worry about future ones.
An anxiety disorder can be caused by multiple factors, such as genetics, environmental stressors and medical conditions. New research also indicates that chronic anxiety symptoms that will not go away can be due to an autoimmune response, triggered by common infections.
More intense manifestations of anxiety can include extreme and persistent fear in the face of everyday situations. And having that intense form of anxiety for prolonged periods of time is considered an anxiety attack, a condition which can last anywhere from several minutes to weeks on end.
Anxiety attack symptoms include:
Surge of overwhelming panic. Feeling of losing control or going crazy. Heart palpitations or chest pain. Feeling like you're going to pass out.
The best thing to do is ask if the person has had a panic attack before. If they haven't and they don't think they're having one now, call 9-1-1 and follow physical first aid protocol. If the person loses consciousness, call an ambulance, check for breathing and pulse and apply physical first aid principles.
If you're having a mental health emergency, it's important to get help right away. Though the thought of going to the emergency room (ER) might be daunting, it's often the best way to keep you safe during the crisis. Visiting the ER can connect you with resources that will help you manage and overcome these issues.
feel overwhelmed — unable to concentrate or make decisions. be moody — feeling low or depression; feeling burnt out; emotional outbursts of uncontrollable anger, fear, helplessness or crying. feel depersonalised — not feeling like themselves or feeling detached from situations.
A nervous breakdown can last from a few hours to a few weeks. If your breakdown has been going on for a while, and you need some relief, the following ten tips are for you. They will help you not only survive this difficult time, but they might even help you grow from this difficult experience.
Various factors can cause anxiety to worsen. The triggers vary between individuals but include ongoing stress, a bereavement, financial problems, and key events, such as a job interview. Anxiety can lead to feelings of nervousness, apprehension, and worry.
Often the first attacks are triggered by physical illnesses, major stressors, or certain medications. People who take on too many responsibilities may develop a tendency to suffer panic attacks. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also show a much higher rate of panic disorder than other people.
A person with nosocomephobia may experience symptoms of anxiety or panic when they think about, see or visit a hospital. A mild fear of doctors is called “white coat syndrome.” This occurs when a person's blood pressure rises around healthcare providers or in medical facilities.
Types of Anti-anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan).
However, you may need to see a mental health specialist if you have severe anxiety. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy).
You feel like you're worrying too much and it's interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life. Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and difficult to control. You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health concerns along with anxiety.