How to Find an Emergency Room for Panic Attack
According to the National Institute Of Mental Health, more than four million Americans suffer from panic attacks. This represents about 5% of the American citizens. Other researchers argue that this number is higher as most victims of panic attacks do not get a proper diagnosis and often live with the condition.
A panic attack often lasts a few minutes but it might feel like the longest minutes for the victim. A panic attack is a terrorizing experience. It can be said to be an emotional nightmare. Some of the patients feel like something bad is going to happen at that very moment. The person feels like they are in an escalating cycle of doom. Others will have a racing heart and they will be convinced they are having a heart attack or suffocating from lack of oxygen. Other patients will feel like they are not in control or they are going to do something embarrassing.
Panic attack symptoms might vary from person to person but the most common ones include:
- A pounding heartbeat
- Sweaty palms
- Feeling of terror
- Fear of dying
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pains
- Twitching muscles or trembling
- Fear of going crazy
- Fear of losing control
After the panic attack, the victim will often feel depressed and helpless. The greatest fear is that the attack might reoccur. In some cases, the frequent occurrence of panic attacks can lead to panic disorder.
A person suffering a panic disorder becomes so worried that they might have another panic attack that this anxiety begets more anxiety. Such people will stay away from situations, places, or people who might trigger the attack. Their defense to fight panic can make the situation worse and lead to even more panic attacks.
Should you visit the ER if you have a panic attack?
The cause of a panic attack might remain a mystery to the patient and even medical professionals are not aware of any direct trigger or a risk group of people who might experience the attack.
For someone experiencing their first panic attack a trip to the emergency room is necessary to rule out a heart attack, an asthmatic reaction, hormone or thyroid problem, and other life-threatening conditions.
Once you get to the ER, you will need to be evaluated by the doctor. The diagnosis of a panic attack is referred to as the diagnosis of exclusion. This means that before a doctor concludes that you are having a panic attack he or she will need to be sure that you are not suffering from others medical conditions. The doctor will consider:
- The patient’s prior medical history such as if the patient has ever suffered from a mental illness, any medications they might have taken prior to the attack, if the patient has ever suffered another panic attack, or suffers from an anxiety disorder.
- The doctor will also inquire if the patient might be suffering from any form of stress
- The doctor will also inquire if there are other family members who suffer from anxiety attacks
- The doctor will want to know if the person is a drug user or has recently taken alcohol. He will also assess the caffeine level in the patient.
- The doctor will do a physical exam checking all the vital organs of the victim
- The emergency room doctor will determine if the patient needs additional on-site tests such as a heart racing or an ECG test.
Remedies for a panic attack
Once the doctor diagnosis that you are suffering from a panic attack he or she will recommend simple lifestyle adjustments such as exercise, getting enough sleep, meditation, or yoga classes.
Another recommended remedy for panic attacks is cognitive behavior therapy. In this case, the cycle of panicking is broken by understanding what is going on with the victim’s brain, the surrounding, and the interconnections. Individuals are encouraged to understand the thought and behaviors that trigger panic. This helps them to challenge the negative mindset and adopt coping behavior.
Another well-known option is the use of exposure therapy. This involves exposing the victim to what they fear the most in a controlled situation.
Another treatment option is the use of anti-anxiety medicines such as Xanax or Klonopin. Doctors do not recommend the frequent use of these medications but they can be used in case of a severe panic attack or on special occasions such as when the person has an attack while on an airplane.
Why visit Frontline ER
If you have an anxiety attack, do not conclude that you will be wasting your time going to the ER. Everyone experiencing symptoms of a panic attack requires evaluation. At Frontline ER, we pride ourselves in having the most qualified, board-certified, and experienced ER doctors. They will examine you and help you on your road to recovery.
Additionally, our facilities at Raymond and Dallas Texas allow you to walk right into our ER and get the care you require. We have zero waiting time, which allows us to evaluate and offer panic attack remedies as quickly as possible. Do not suffer in silence visit Frontline ER for the best diagnosis and treatment of panic attacks.