I need info

Posted by Rachael on July 28, 1999 at 13:54:09
For a while now I have been getting extremely nervous without any prompting.  It hasn't had too much of an impact on my life until the past few weeks, though.  A few weeks ago I got so newvous it took me about 30 minutes to think straight, and yesterday I woke up and I had chest pains and tunnel vision.  I have had both of these symptoms for about 36 hours now, but on and off, not steady.  My periferal vision is virtually gone some of the time, and I feel like my chest is caught between people who are pushing in and pushing out.  My husband said he thought it sounded like an anxiety attack, but I have never heard of one lasting so long.  Of course, now that he brought it up I am even more nervous.  I feel like I may just be being stupid or a hypochondriac and I can't afford to go to the doctor.  If my symptoms are psychosomatic I will feel like a fool.  Any ideas?

Posted by HFHS MD - RG on July 29, 1999 at 18:54:42
Dear Rachael,
    A panic attack is defined as a discrete period of intense discomfort accompanied by four or more of the following symptoms that develop abruptly and reach a peak within ten minutes- palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of losing control, fear of dying, hot flashes. Panic attacks can occur in mental disorders other than Panic Disorder. Some panic attacks do not easily fit easily into the distinction between unexpeced and expected, and these attacks are referred to as
situationally predisposed; they may or may not occur when a patient is exposed to a specific trigger, or they may occur either immediately after exposure or after a considerable delay.
    It is not uncommon for panic attacks to last for 20-30 minutes but usually last less than an hour. Symptoms of panic attacks may mimic some medical conditions like anemia, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, among others.
    It is best that you see a mental health profesional or a general medical doctor for an evaluation.
    The information provided in this Forum is presented for general educational purposes only. Specific questions you have pertaining to your health should always be directed to your personl physician or you may call Henry Ford Behavioral Health at(248) 689-7476 for an evaluation.
I wish you the best,
HFHS MD - RG
*Keyword: Anxiety