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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Can stress and anxiety cause these symptoms?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
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.
Can stress and anxiety cause these symptoms?
by kelin, Apr 27, 2004 12:00AM
About 6-7 months ago I experienced a huge panic attack~the worst one I have ever had! Prior to that, I hadn't had one for about 6 years and have only had between 5-10 my whole life. I have always been a chronic worrier. (I am 33 years old)Prior to this last panic attack, I had began experiencing achiness in my knees and was having some tingling in my left foot. Of course, I tried to diagnose myself via the internet and fed my mind with all kinds of horrible, even fatal diagnoses. I ended up going to my Dr. because the tingling had spread to many areas of my body (along with fasciculations in my legs and feet) and I felt somewhere between normal and panicky all of the time. He was suspicious that I may have had some thyroid problems going on, did complete blood work up and everything showed that I was quite healthy. He did not feel it necessary for any neurological follow-up. He gave me some xanax to use for awhile until that "edge" was gone and put me on paxil. For about 2 months, I tried several (about5) different medications, because they all made the fasciculations in my legs MUCH worse. He felt I was having reactions rather than side effects, so he would tell me to stop and try something else. Aside from the muscle problems these meds were causing, I had never felt more lifeless in every possible way, so I opted to stop taking them and go see a therapist. I saw him several times. He taught me breathing techniques, gave me good books to read and we focused alot on my irrational fears. I havn't seen him for a couple of months now. Things had been going better until recently I feel like my muscles are so tired. The fasciculations are really intense at times (still only in my legs and feet), but they do seem to dissipate with alcohol or rest. I should add that I have degenerative disc disease in my lower spine which always bothers me. I'm think I am having some pretty severe anxiety over these fasciculations and other weird tingly, numby wierd sensations I feel throughout my body. I know I am soooo tuned inward right now that it's hard to focus on other things to get my mind offf of it. I'm scared to death to go back to the dr. for fear that he will want to start looking into the possibility that something might really be wrong with me. (MS, ALS, etc.~the ALS is the one i'm scared to death about.)
All of this being said, what's your advice? Are all of these symptoms typical, or atleast possibly caused by stress? I should also add that I am a stay home mother with three young children, 6,3,and 1. So, needless to say, the stress of everyday life is also a bit to bear at times. Your expertise and words of wisdom will be much appreciated.
All of this being said, what's your advice? Are all of these symptoms typical, or atleast possibly caused by stress? I should also add that I am a stay home mother with three young children, 6,3,and 1. So, needless to say, the stress of everyday life is also a bit to bear at times. Your expertise and words of wisdom will be much appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Apr 28, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 28, 2004 12:00AM
Before I did anything else, I would go back to the therapist and try to work on your fears,and your stress, and your frustrations in life....medications are not the answer for you...do your psychological work and you will feel a lot better.
Member Comments (3)
by dont, Apr 27, 2004 12:00AM
To: kelin
I can tell you this. I have been having severe to mild panick attacks since January. I twitch all over. I have had a normal MRI of my C-spine, brain and normal blood work and a very normal neurological exam. I thought I had ALS for sure and maybe MS but the neuro said I have neither. He said my twitching was from my anxiety. I was convinced also that my right leg and arm were weak and he said even though they felt that way my muscle strength was excellent for a woman who only walks for exercise. I know it is very very very hard to accept it all being anxiety. I still to be honest am not totally convinced but I keep being told over and over that is what it is so maybe it will sink in some day and I will forget about this. Along with the twitching my right leg aches (muscle ache). Now I'm on a Parkinson's kick because my right hand is shaking a lot but I have been told the Wellbutrin can cause that. I am not one to talk because I have done it many times, but the worst thing you can do is symptom surf. I think that if I had not done that I would have been better three months ago. The internet has become my enemy!!! It makes it worst. Feel free to e mail me at ***@****. Put your nick name in the subject field because I won't open it if I don't recognize you. Hang in there!!
by megmac, Aug 11, 2004 12:00AM
Please help me, my anxiety has really been bad for the last month. My main symptom is twitching in different places on my body. As soon as I feel the twitch I start thinking I must have ALS and get so worked up I can bearly function. I was just at my psychologist last week and he assures me my twitching is from the anxiety. Why can't I believe this? Can anyone please help me all I think about is having ALS and dying.
