Can anxiety cause tantrums?

Can extreme fear and anxiety cause tantrum behavior, such as uncontrollable screaming and self harm (i.e. hitting)?

[nursegirl6572]

Well, my honest opinion is, it could be a result of your disorders combined.  You have quite a history.  The brain injury would be more likely as a cause than anxiety, but again, anything is possible.  I don't think it's as important to find the exact cause so much as it is to address the symptoms/behaviors.

What kinds of thinfs have you tried thus far?  Any professional help?

[nursegirl6572]

Anything is possible, but in my experience, anxiety tends to present more as fearful, timid, being unsure, those kinds of things, rather than aggressive behavior and anger.

Can you elaborate a bit...is it YOU who is having these symptoms?  Anything you can share with us that would be helpful (history of any disorder, any past mental health treatment, etc).

[TheHealingOfHarms]

I have Asperger Syndrome but the problem started after a Brain Injury. I was diagnosed with Post Concussive Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, Migraines, and Epilepsy. I am fearful much of the time. I feel very overwhelmed and I don't know how to deal with my fears. I am scared when I am hitting myself and screaming, but I am scared of what I am doing too. I don't understand why I do this. Could it be anxiety? Thank you for replying.

[nursegirl6572]

Well, my honest opinion is, it could be a result of your disorders combined.  You have quite a history.  The brain injury would be more likely as a cause than anxiety, but again, anything is possible.  I don't think it's as important to find the exact cause so much as it is to address the symptoms/behaviors.

What kinds of thinfs have you tried thus far?  Any professional help?

[TheHealingOfHarms]

I am seeing a Psychiatrist and I have tried many medications. She has recently prescribed Cymbalta. I haven't been taking it long enough to notice a difference yet. I keep thinking, what if Cymbalta doesn't work either? Thank you for your help.