Claire Dawson
Experiencing a panic attack can be incredibly distressing, and it can be difficult to know whether or not you should go to the hospital. While panic attacks typically resolve without medical intervention, there are certain situations in which seeking emergency medical attention is necessary. For example, if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or if you are having a panic attack for the first time, it is advised that you go to the emergency room or call an ambulance. In the emergency room, doctors can give you medication to help calm you down and perform tests to rule out any underlying conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to go to the hospital | If you are experiencing a panic attack for the first time, or if it is coupled with self-harming behaviour, alcohol or drug use, or suicidal ideation. |
| What the hospital provides | Medication, a place to wait out the panic attack, and further tests to rule out underlying conditions. |
| Treatment plan | May include talk therapy, medications such as benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or other techniques. |
| Hospitalization | Hospitalization is the highest level of care for people with severe anxiety who are unable to function at work, school, or other important areas of life. Treatment is typically short-term and focused, lasting about 5-10 days. |
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What You'll Learn
When to go to the hospital for a panic attack
Panic attacks can be incredibly distressing, and it is important to know when to seek emergency help. While panic attacks typically resolve without medical intervention, there are situations in which going to the hospital is necessary.
Firstly, if you are experiencing a panic attack for the first time, it is advisable to go to the hospital. This is because the symptoms of a panic attack can sometimes indicate a heart attack or another serious health issue. Doctors will assess whether your symptoms are caused by acute anxiety or another underlying condition. They may perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure electrical signals in your heart and test your blood levels of troponin, which can indicate heart damage.
Secondly, if you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide alongside a panic attack, it is vital that you go to the hospital. Seek immediate medical help if your panic attack is coupled with self-harming behaviour, alcohol or drug use, or suicidal ideation.
Thirdly, if you are unsure whether to go to the hospital, it is better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help. Healthcare professionals can ensure your safety and provide necessary treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms and are unsure of the cause, head to the nearest emergency room or call an emergency helpline.
It is important to note that if you have a history of anxiety and panic attacks, you may be able to manage the situation at home. You may have medication that can help calm you down, and you may know techniques to control your breathing and relax. However, if your symptoms are particularly intense and you are unable to function in important areas of your life, inpatient treatment may be beneficial. Hospitalization can provide a safe and highly supportive environment to achieve stabilization. You may also be referred to a mental health professional for further treatment and support.
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What to expect at the hospital
If you are experiencing a panic attack, a trip to the emergency room might feel necessary. While panic attacks typically resolve without medical intervention, there are moments when you should seek immediate medical help. This includes if you are experiencing the panic attack alongside self-harming behaviour, alcohol or drug use, or suicidal ideation. If you are unsure about whether to go to the hospital, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Once at the hospital, doctors will check you for serious or life-threatening conditions. They will likely give you an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure electrical signals in your heart and test your blood levels of the protein troponin, which can indicate heart damage. If doctors discover any urgent medical conditions, they will treat you right away. If they rule out other health issues, they may refer you to follow up with your doctor or a mental health professional.
In the emergency room, doctors may give you medication to help calm you down and give you time to relax. Benzodiazepines, a class of sedative drugs, are commonly used to decrease the symptoms of a panic attack. If you are hospitalised for severe anxiety, you will likely receive a combination of prescription medication and therapy.
Hospitalisation for severe anxiety, also referred to as inpatient treatment, is the highest level of care for people with severe anxiety symptoms. Treatment is typically short-term and focused, with the general objective of helping patients achieve stabilisation so that they can return home or transition to a lower level of care.
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Medication for panic attacks
While panic attacks usually resolve without medical intervention, medication can be used to treat panic disorder and help calm someone experiencing a panic attack. If you are experiencing a panic attack, it is recommended that you try deep breathing and, if you have a history of anxiety, take any medication you may have at home. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as a pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, overwhelming fear, or a loss of control, you may need to go to the emergency room, where you can be given medication to help calm you down.
There are several types of medication that can be used to treat panic disorder. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat active panic attacks because they work quickly by calming the central nervous system. The two benzodiazepines approved by the FDA to treat panic disorder are alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). However, benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence and are generally less preferred than SSRIs. The only FDA-approved SNRI for panic disorder is extended-release (ER) venlafaxine (Effexor XR). Other SNRIs have not been well-studied for treating panic disorder, and SSRIs and venlafaxine ER carry a risk of a rare but serious complication called serotonin syndrome. TCAs are not FDA-approved to treat panic disorder and tend to cause more side effects.
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Non-medical treatments for panic attacks
While medication and psychotherapy are the primary treatment options for panic attacks, there are several non-medical treatments that can help manage the condition.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on discussing thoughts and emotions with a mental health professional. It aims to help individuals identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. CBT implements two main strategies: cognitive restructuring and breathing retraining. The former addresses misinterpretations of bodily sensations, while the latter helps control the physiological effects of hyperventilation and tachycardia.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can be an important part of managing panic attacks. This includes getting enough physical activity and exercising regularly. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake can also help, as these substances can increase anxiety and have detrimental effects on overall well-being.
Dietary Changes
Some people find that changing their diet helps reduce anxiety and manage panic attacks. This may include reducing caffeine intake, especially later in the day or before bed, as caffeine is a stimulant that can increase brain and body activity, leading to restlessness and anxiety. Additionally, while limited studies have directly assessed the link, many people who self-medicate with alcohol report improved anxiety symptoms when they stop drinking or reduce their consumption.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are potential treatments for anxiety disorders. These include herbal medicine, massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, meditation, and mindfulness relaxation exercises.
It is important to note that while these non-medical treatments can be beneficial, seeking professional advice from a doctor or mental health professional is crucial. They can provide guidance on suitable treatments and help individuals find the right combination of therapies, lifestyle changes, and support to manage their panic attacks effectively.
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Preventing panic attacks
While panic attacks can be scary, they usually happen without any warning and tend to last only a few minutes. During a panic attack, you may experience a variety of frightening symptoms, such as a racing heart, difficulty breathing, or a feeling of impending doom. Most panic attacks do not require a visit to the emergency room, but it is always better to seek professional help if you are unsure, especially if it is your first panic attack or if you are concerned about your health.
To prevent panic attacks, it is essential to actively manage your stress. Talk to your doctor about different options for stress management, such as deep breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga. While medications such as benzodiazepines and beta-blockers can be used to treat panic attacks, they may not always be the best option as they take a while to take effect. Additionally, regular physical exercise, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can help reduce stress and tension, thereby lowering the risk of a panic attack.
If you have a history of anxiety or panic attacks, it is advisable to have medication at home that can help calm you down. This could be medication prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter medication. If you are experiencing a panic attack, taking this medication can help, but if new symptoms occur that are different from your usual panic attacks, it is important to go to the emergency room to be assessed.
In some cases, panic attacks may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as thyroid disorders or heart problems, especially if you experience chest pain. Therefore, it is crucial to see a doctor to rule out any physical causes and develop a treatment plan. This plan may include talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or medications such as antidepressants or anti-epilepsy drugs.
If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or drug and alcohol use along with a panic attack, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help. While panic attacks themselves may not require hospitalization, these additional factors warrant professional intervention.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitals can give medication to help calm you down and give you time to relax. Doctors will commonly use benzodiazepines, a class of sedative drugs that are very effective in decreasing symptoms of a panic attack. They may also give you an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure electrical signals in your heart and test your blood levels of the protein troponin to rule out any underlying conditions.
If you are experiencing a panic attack for the first time, or you are concerned about your health, it is recommended to call an emergency service or head to the nearest hospital. If the panic attack is coupled with self-harming behaviour, alcohol or drug use, or suicidal ideation, seek immediate medical help.
If you have a history of anxiety, you may have medication at home that can help calm you down. You can also try deep breathing and other techniques to calm yourself down. It is recommended to see a doctor or mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that may include talk therapy, medication, or other techniques.
