Are these panic attacks or something else?

[Michael]

Hello.
About 3 months ago I was in the emergency room with heart palpitations, numbness and all the other symptoms of a panic attack. After all the tests came back, it was determined that that is what I had experienced.

Over the past 3 months the symptoms keep changing. For a short while it will be stomach pains with indigestion and diarrhea, than nothing for weeks. Then I'll experience frequent urination, dizziness, blurred vision and confusion. The only constant symptom that seems to maintain itself whenever I go through any of the other symptoms is an inability to sleep and tightness in the chest.

The past 2 or 3 days has shown a huge increase in a dizzy/spacey like feeling with difficulty focusing. I was wondering if this is a symptom of panic disorder or are my panic attacks and fear caused by some other medical problem?

Thank you.

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear Michael,

A panic attack is a brief period of intense fear or discomfort that comes on suddenly and usually it is accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, abdominal distress, dizziness, fear of losing control or going crazy or fear of dying.
Panic attacks may occur in many different situations and for different reasons. It is important to note that these symptoms
can be confused with medical illness so physical problems should be ruled out. When people have recurrent panic attacks with
anticipatory anxiety and phobic avoidance this may represent panic disorder.
The symptoms of dizziness and or a spacey feeling with difficulty focusing must be immediately evaluated by a physician. They may be neurological illness.
The other symptoms you are describing are suggestive of panic attacks.
It is important to continue follow up with your physician inorder to make certain medical illness has not developed. I also recommend a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist. Treatment is available in the form of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

If you are in the Detroit area you may contact Henry Ford Behavioral Health at 248-689-7476 or 313-714-0709.

Best Wishes

HFHS M.D.-SW

[Theri]

My daughter has several cardiac problems that prevent enough oxygen to her brain, or to her abdomen. Her symptoms seem very much like yours. I thought she was having panic attacks, but a stress echo, and echo cardiagram showed that there was a physical problem. She is now on beta blockers and lanoxin, and her symptoms seem to have improved dramatically.

Have your dr check out all possibilities.