What could be an anxiety emergency situation?
In case of severe anxiety, if the patient has frightening symptoms, they can be taken to the Emergency Room in a hospital where professionals can help administer medicine that can calm the patient down. Since typically anxiety or panic attacks last for about 30 minutes to the maximum and can be taken care of, they do not require ER visits. Only when the patient is not able to bring the symptoms under control and extreme cases of hyperventilation, such as in panic attacks, which can lead to tachycardia – can become an emergency situation. If you have regular panic attacks, especially with chest pain, you can visit the ER since it could also be an early sign of cardiovascular disease.
How can the family help the patient in an anxiety emergency?
The family can take the patient to the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital in case of an emergency. They can become part of the therapy sessions with the patient to make a plan for emergency with the therapist so as to be prepared in advance for future anxiety emergency situations.
How can professionals help in case of anxiety emergency?
Psychiatrists can prescribe medications that can calm down a patient in case of severe anxiety. Medical professionals can check for any signs of cardiovascular disease, if that is suspected with any chest pain. They can also suggest breathing exercises that can improve one’s anxiety. Therapists can use grounding techniques to help the patient calm down in case of severe anxiety.
How to prevent having an anxiety emergency?
Having regular consultations with the psychiatrist (if medications are required) and a therapist can help gradually bring down the intensity of the patient’s anxiety. The therapist could equip the patient with grounding and relaxation techniques as well as encourage certain lifestyle changes, incorporating which into routine can help prevent an anxiety emergency for the patient.
