Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Crazy in Wayne
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Crazy in Wayne
by lori, Aug 24, 1999 12:00AM
I have had a disorder of some type for about 2 years now. I have seen several doctors and they tell me it is anxiety but nothing is helping. I know take Xanax that does seem to calm me some but not fully. Six (6) months after my baby was born, I was sitting at my desk at work and started shaking all over, couldn't catch my breath and felt like I was choking. It last about 10-15 minutes and I was distraught for days over this. Feeling like it could happen again anytime. I no longer can stand to be alone or to drive a vehicle without an adult being in the car. I have attempted several times to try to be alone but I just have an attack every time. I have always considered myself to be very independant and I can't stand this. I also developed gestational diabetes during my pregnancy; could that have anything to do with it? Could it be my thyroid? Blood tests have been done and everything came back OK. I also loose weight during pregnancy only to gain it back plus more after I deliver. Sometimes I think maybe it's not anxiety and something hormonal. Is that possible?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD-JM, Aug 31, 1999 12:00AM
Lori,
It sounds like you are having panic attacks (brief intense periods of anxiety) and have been evaluated for physical conditions that can present similarly. If physical illness such as thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus and cardiac conditions have been ruled out then it is very possible that this is panic disorder.
Xanax has been somewhat helpful to you however, there are other medications such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(Zoloft, Paxil,Prozac, Celexa, and Luvox) which can prevent attacks from occurring. Certain types of psychotherapy, specifically CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy) can also be helpful.
I recommend that you discuss these issues further with your medical doctor and if he feels there is no physical condition present, then a referal for psychiatric evaluation could be helpful. Good luck. Keep in mind that the intent of this forum is for general educational purposes only.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Panic attacks/disorder, anxiety
It sounds like you are having panic attacks (brief intense periods of anxiety) and have been evaluated for physical conditions that can present similarly. If physical illness such as thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus and cardiac conditions have been ruled out then it is very possible that this is panic disorder.
Xanax has been somewhat helpful to you however, there are other medications such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(Zoloft, Paxil,Prozac, Celexa, and Luvox) which can prevent attacks from occurring. Certain types of psychotherapy, specifically CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy) can also be helpful.
I recommend that you discuss these issues further with your medical doctor and if he feels there is no physical condition present, then a referal for psychiatric evaluation could be helpful. Good luck. Keep in mind that the intent of this forum is for general educational purposes only.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Panic attacks/disorder, anxiety
you'll also find an FAQ section there to be quite helpful. There is an MD who answers questions daily and lots of people who ask questions such as yours. There are people there who know a good deal about hormones. Post this question there and i'm sure you'll get the info you seek.
Good Luck,
Rochelle in SC