Sunday, March 24, 2024

When To See A Doctor For Panic Attacks

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What To Do In Case You Take Too Much Xanax

Doctor Explains How to Stop a Panic Attack

Call your doctor right away if you think youve taken too much Xanax. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. A drug called flumazenil is sometimes used along with other measures to treat an overdose of benzodiazepines . Xanax

What Will My Provider Do For Me

Anxiety is a difficult condition to treat, but effective therapy exists. The two most popular therapies for anxiety arepsychotherapy and prescription medication.

Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with anxiety symptoms. In addition, they may also recommend self-treatment methods you can practice at home, which include following a healthy diet, consistently exercising, and getting regular sleep. Monitoring your physical health has been proven to help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy alone or in combination with medications effectively treats most people suffering from an anxiety disorder. Some therapists recommend self-help workbooks that detail different types of anxiety disorders and provide exercises for managing them.

The Experience Of Panic

Your panic event probably felt like a heart attack. You felt breathless and disorientated and had you or someone else taken your pulse, it would almost certainly have been rapid and possibly irregular. You would have felt dizzy, nauseous and shaky. Even though these probably passed between five and 30 minutes later, you no doubt felt fortunate to have come through the experience intact.

As a result of this dreadful experience you probably took yourself to the hospital or you saw your family doctor. After running tests and taking blood samples the conclusion is reached that your heart is fine. How does this leave you feeling? Stupid? Embarrassed? Perplexed?

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How To Describe Your Panic Attack Symptoms

Your doctor will probably ask you about your symptoms. Physical signs of a panic attack often include:

  • Numb or tingling hands

  • Sweating, trembling or shaking

Describe what happened during a recent attack as if you were telling the story to a close friend. Explain where you were, what you felt, and what you were thinking. For example, you might say, I was just sitting at my desk when all of a sudden I felt terrified. I was nauseated, hot, and sweating, and my heart was racing. I thought I was having a heart attack.

Things You Can Try Yourself

TIL Ive been having an anxiety attack for 20+ years : CPTSDmemes

The next time you feel a panic attack coming on, try the following:

  • do not fight the attack and stay where you are, if possible
  • breathe slowly and deeply
  • remind yourself that the attack will pass
  • focus on positive, peaceful and relaxing images
  • remember it is not life-threatening

To reduce the chances of a further attack, it may also help to:

  • read a self-help book about how to control anxiety using CBT
  • try other therapies such as massage and aromatherapy
  • try activities like yoga and Pilates to help you relax
  • learn breathing techniques to help ease symptoms
  • do regular physical exercise to reduce stress and tension
  • avoid sugary food and drinks, caffeine, alcohol and smoking as these can make attacks worse

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Which Healthcare Professionals Treat Anxiety

In many cases, you can see your primary care doctor for anxiety, even if its just to start the conversation and receive a referral. In addition to your PCP, the following healthcare professionals can also diagnose anxiety and work with you on anxiety management: Psychiatrists

  • Specialized nurse practitioners
  • Assistants to primary care doctors or psychiatrists
  • Professional therapists and counselors

Testing and therapy are available from several providers, including psychologists, counselors, and therapists. But while they can provide testing and therapy, not all can prescribe medicine if needed.

If your condition or situation doesnt allow you to visit a doctor, you may also consider using TeleHealth for patients. TeleHealth allows you to have a conversation with a healthcare provider through your phone or computer. This enables patients who cannot leave their homes or even those who are isolated, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, to receive therapy of any kind.

Risk Factors For Panic Attack

Panic attacks involve the bodys nervous system. This system includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, blood and connective tissue, and controls everything your body does. The nervous system is carefully balanced and sensitive to changes, such as those caused by sleep quality or chemicals found in drugs, alcohol and certain foods. Changes caused by other diseases, such as asthma or diabetes, can also affect the nervous system.

Factors that are associated with panic attacks, include:

  • Having a personality that reacts strongly to new situations and people
  • Being prone to anxiety

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Things To Tell Your Doctor

This information will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

  • Make a list of your symptoms and when they began. Note when your symptoms occur, how they affect your life, and when theyre better or worse.
  • Write down any major stresses in your life, as well as any traumas youve experienced, both past and present.
  • Write down all of your health conditions: mental and physical.
  • Make a list of all medications and supplements youre taking. Include how much you take and how often.

List any other substances you use or consume, such as:

Take The First Step In Reducing Anxiety

How to Get Through a Panic Attack | Lifehacker

Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in the United States. There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and they can be treated through therapy, medication, and self-treatment. With proper treatment, most people with an anxiety disorder see improvement in their symptoms within weeks to months.

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, visiting your primary care doctor is a significant first step in effectively managing your symptoms and anxiety disorder.

Our doctors and specialists at PACT are dedicated to providing high-quality patient-centered care. If you want to locate a primary care doctor in Connecticut, visit here to look through our list of board-certified physicians based in your area.

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What Is The Dosage Of Xanax

Below is information about the usual dosages of Xanax.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of the drugs dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.

Xanax form
2 mg 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times per day

Note: Xanax is a controlled substance. This means its regulated by the U.S. government due to the risk of misuse. You should only take Xanax exactly as prescribed and you should not share the drug with anyone else. Its also recommended that you store Xanax in a safe place away from children.

Accessible Drug Containers And Labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print or use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesnt.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Xanax in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drugs container.

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How Long Do Panic Attacks Last

Panic attacks are abrupt attacks where you feel fear, discomfort, and like youre losing control even when theres no danger. These attacks occur out of the blue with no warning and some symptoms can feel like a heart attack.

Panic attacks are typically short, reaching their peak in less than 10 minutes. An attack usually lasts anywhere from a few minutes up to 30, though repeated attacks can recur for hours.

Heres what you need to know about the length of a panic attack, and how you can cope or prevent it from occurring.

When To Talk With A Doctor

Panic attack Stock Photos, Royalty Free Panic attack Images ...

If you think youve had a panic attack, see your doctor as soon as possible. Other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, so its important to receive a professional diagnosis.

Your doctor may give you a physical exam to check for health conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor might also suggest you see a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or professional counselor.

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Panic Disorder In Children

Panic disorder is more common in teenagers than in younger children.

Panic attacks can be particularly hard for children and young people to deal with. Severe panic disorder may affect their development and learning.

If your child has the signs and symptoms of panic disorder, they should see a GP.

After taking a detailed medical history the GP will carry out a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical causes for the symptoms.

They may refer your child to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. The specialist may recommend a course of CBT for your child.

Screening for other anxiety disorders may also be needed to help find the cause of your child’s panic attacks.

Talking To A Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health

Communicating well with a health care provider can improve your care and help you both make good choices about your health. Find tips to help prepare for and get the most out of your visit at Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider. For additional resources, including questions to ask a provider, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves,call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK . You also can text the Crisis Text Line or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.

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Is Xanax Used Long Term

No, Xanax is not usually used as a long-term treatment. Its not known if Xanax is safe to take for more than 10 weeks for panic disorder or more than 4 months for generalized anxiety disorder.

When stopping Xanax, youll likely do it slowly using a taper schedule. This will help decrease your risk of withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about what your dosage taper schedule will be.

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Should You See Your Doctor About Panic Attacks

A panic attack can make you feel like youre about to collapse or even die, but it’s usually harmless. However, in some cases, you may need medical advice to rule out an underlying physical cause.

Get medical advice if:

  • your panic attack continues after doing 20 minutes of slow breathing
  • you still feel unwell after your breathing returns to normal
  • you still have a rapid or irregular heartbeat or chest pains after your panic attack
  • you regularly have panic attacks, as this could be a sign that you have panic disorder

When To See Your Doctor About Panic Attacks

Panic Attack &  Panic Disorder: What are they and how to identify them?

by Medical Reviewer

The very first time you see a doctor about a is usually after your first experience. The reason for this is that you are probably unaware of what you have just been through. The symptoms and the effects of panic feel so very physical that it can come as a shock to be told you have suffered a period of intense anxiety.

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Might Your Symptoms Point To Other Potential Medical Issues

One main reason to go to the emergency room for a panic attack is to make sure that your panic attack isnt actuallyanother medical condition. Panic attack symptoms, regardless of their severity, often mimic other health complications.

If youre experiencing issues that could exist outside of a run-of-the-mill panic attack, then you should take a trip to the emergency room. Its important to rule out all other medical conditions and emergencies before writing it off as just another panic attack. For example, when your panic attack symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing, its important to get yourself checked out.

Since your mental state is often the root cause of a panic attack, its also important to understand what other thoughts and feelings youre having during an episode. If youre having thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate medical treatment.

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Learn About Panic Attacks And Anxiety

Knowledge is power. With more information about panic attacks, you can be aware of your symptoms, feel more in control, and shorten your attacks.

While many people experience a panic attack just once or a few times, others experience them as part of an existing anxiety disorder. Learning about anxiety can help you better manage it.

What Your Doctor Looks For

Doctor Panic Attack in Operating Room (TOP 3 Anxiety Symptoms) 2022

When you talk with your doctor, theyll assess your physical health. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be easily confused with underlying medical conditions.

Your doctor may examine and interview you for some illnesses that often imitate, or trigger the onset of, anxiety disorders, like:

  • Central nervous system damage
  • Low blood sugar

If your doctor determines that your anxiety isnt linked to drug use or a physical medical condition, they can refer you to a mental health professional who can diagnose you appropriately.

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What Are The Complications Of Panic Disorder

As the panic gets worse and an attacks last longer, you may find it very tough to cope with everyday life, keep a job, or function in social settings. You may fear going into places where it may be hard to escape or you feel trapped. Some people can’t leave their home for fear that help is not available or that he or she will be forced into a situation that will trigger an attack.

People with this condition may also abuse alcohol or drugs to relieve stress.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if panic attacks are interfering with your work, relationships, or self-esteem.

If you are thinking about hurting yourself or others, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 . The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.

You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.

If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

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How Are They Treated

Treatments for panic attacks and panic disorder include counselling, especially cognitive-behavioural therapy . Medicines may also help. Treatment can help most people control or even stop attacks. But symptoms can come back, especially if you stop treatment too soon.

Early treatment of panic attacks is very important. It can prevent other problems related to panic disorder. These problems include depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use problems.

What Is A Panic Attack

Scary Doctor Illustrations, Royalty

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear, panic, or anxiety. They are overwhelming, and they have physical as well as emotional symptoms.

If you have a panic attack, you might find you have difficulty breathing, you sweat profusely and tremble, and you may feel your heart pounding.

Some people will also experience chest pain and a feeling of detachment from reality or themselves during a panic attack, so they may think theyre having a heart attack. Others have reported feeling like they are having a stroke.

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Is Your Anxiety Normal Or A Sign Of Something More Serious

4 min Read Time

Its normal to feel anxiety from time to time. Maybe youre nervous about speaking in public, worried about a health issue or concerned about your finances. As troubling as it can be, occasional angst is not harmful. In fact, it can actually be helpful, serving as the motivation you need to tackle new challenges.

However, too much anxiety isnt healthy. It could also be a warning sign of an anxiety disorder or another medical condition that needs treatment, according to Christina Lynn, MD, medical director of one of HCA Healthcares behavioral health units. We spoke with Dr. Lynn about anxiety, and she offered some insight on whats normal, whats excessive and when it may be a red flag for a serious health issue.

Q: Is it normal to experience bouts of anxiety?

A: Yes, anxiety is a normal response that everyone experiences. Its actually part of what drives people. If we didnt have anxiety, you wouldnt be as motivated to do things. It makes you take that extra step, to dress up a little bit more nicely and make a good first impression. It’s a normal response to stressful events and change. I would actually be more concerned if someone did not have anxiety when coping with change.

Q: At what point does anxiety start to become a problem?

Q: Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

A: Yes, there are many different anxiety disorders.

Q: Do anxiety disorders also cause physical symptoms?

Q: How are anxiety disorders treated?

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