Can You Be Hospitalized for Severe Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders happen to a lot of people, and the symptoms can spike suddenly. When this happens and the person cannot get control of their severe anxiety, it can be scary. As a result, they may begin to wonder about all of their options, including whether hospitalization for severe anxiety is possible. The answer depends on several factors. Also, it can be an answer that provides relief for some while others fear it will be a result they cannot control. Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson provides evidence-based therapy for anyone struggling with anxiety disorders. Our residential program can provide a safe space to work on healing from severe anxiety and return home peacefully.

This article explains what severe anxiety is, whether hospitalization is possible, and what to expect if you visit an ER.

What is Severe Anxiety?

Everyone goes through periods of anxiety often related to a specific situation or combination of things going on. Usually, the stressed-out feelings pass, and the person feels better. However, many people find that the anxiety they feel becomes ongoing and difficult to overcome. For them, situations or emotions that others can tolerate cause an elevated level of anxiety. As well, anxiety can come out of nowhere and overwhelm the person. After a while, the person can become anxious out of anticipation that they will be overwhelmed by anxiety. 

If this sounds familiar to someone, they may have severe anxiety. For them, the body’s natural response to stress loses its potency and anxiety begins to disrupt their lives. Extreme anxiety can affect a person’s ability to work, go to school, attend social events, and engage in relationships. It can even reach where a person has trouble just getting out of bed or leaving their house. Having prolonged periods of severe anxiety indicates a person has an anxiety disorder. The answer to, “Can you be hospitalized for severe anxiety?” depends on the severity of the anxiety disorder. 

Can You Be Hospitalized or Go to the ER for Severe Anxiety?

Yes, there are different options of hospitalized care for severe anxiety, or even anxiety in general. Knowing what each type of treatment center provides help for, can guide a person on where to go for treating the symptoms of anxiety.

Emergency Room: If someone becomes so overwhelmed by their anxiety that they become unable to function or constitute a possible danger to themselves or others, going to the E.R. is an option. Hospital personnel can provide medications and an assessment for how best to handle the situation. They may be able to help the person calm down and return home. Alternatively, they may decide the person is better off being transferred to a psychiatric ward. 

Psychiatric Hospital: People who go to a psychiatric hospital, which may be part of a general hospital or another facility entirely, typically go there on an emergency basis. The person may admit themselves voluntarily or require admission if they cannot care for themselves or pose a danger to themselves or others. Stays in a psychiatric hospital are typically brief, sometimes lasting only a few days. The goal is to stabilize the individual while arranging plans for ongoing treatment.

Residential or Inpatient Care: While the terms “residential programs” and “inpatient treatment” are sometimes used interchangeably, an inpatient program is more closely related to a hospital setting. With both types of treatment, a person enters voluntarily and typically stays for at least 30 days while they work on reducing their anxiety. In contrast, residential is usually more of a home-like setting with 24-7 care.

 

Types of Anxiety That May Require Hospital Care

There are several types of anxiety disorders, and whether or not a person needs to go to a hospital or emergency room can partly depend on which one they have. The types of anxiety disorders are:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Specific phobia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Selective mutism

Within each type of anxiety disorder, a person can have symptoms that range from mild to severe. When the individual experiences symptoms that feel severe, they may benefit from receiving care in a hospital setting. 

What to Expect During Hospitalization for Severe Anxiety

The primary goal when someone is hospitalized for severe anxiety is to stabilize them and ensure their safety. A healthcare provider will assess their specific diagnosis and review any ongoing or previous treatment attempts. At higher levels of hospitalization, such as an E.R. or psychiatric hospital, the focus is on short-term applications that help the person feel more in control. A lower level of care will focus on having the person attend therapy sessions that help them understand how to control their anxiety. 

What Other Treatment Options Help With Severe Anxiety?

The use of several types of therapy modalities helps people reduce their symptoms of anxiety and manage their lives effectively. As well, the use of prescription medications can help minimize anxiety and downgrade a person’s severe anxiety to something more manageable.

Begin Treatment for Severe Anxiety in Los Angeles, California

If you have severe anxiety and feel like your situation is hopeless, you might wonder whether hospitalization is an option or if there are alternatives. Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson created a residential program for people dealing with severe anxiety. Additionally, we offer several types of therapy to help improve individuals symptoms. When you come to us for treatment, we treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve in our homelike facility. We also match you with the right prescription medications to help you experience less stress and begin to live your life again.

Visit our admissions page now and let us help you start overcoming your anxiety. We make it easy to begin our program and feel better.