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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Is this Medical or Psychiatric?
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.
Is this Medical or Psychiatric?
by michele, Dec 05, 1999 12:00AM
Hello!
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
I am a 32 y.o female, overweight, hypothyroid the only medical conditions. Thyroid was just checked and is working well on present medication. For a few years now I've been getting the "fight or flight" response several times a day (4-5) and I am starting to worry that it might have long-term effects on my heart, etc. It is always preceeded by an event, ie. someone pops a balloon, the phone rings, someone/something comes too close to me too fast (like while driving), etc. I am not depressed and this is not something that "builds up"--it happens suddenly. Is this panic/anxiety? What kind of professional should I see? Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
I am a 32 y.o female, overweight, hypothyroid the only medical conditions. Thyroid was just checked and is working well on present medication. For a few years now I've been getting the "fight or flight" response several times a day (4-5) and I am starting to worry that it might have long-term effects on my heart, etc. It is always preceeded by an event, ie. someone pops a balloon, the phone rings, someone/something comes too close to me too fast (like while driving), etc. I am not depressed and this is not something that "builds up"--it happens suddenly. Is this panic/anxiety? What kind of professional should I see? Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-HG, Dec 07, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Michele,
It seems like you may be having panic attacks. Panic attacks are scary and the symptoms reach a peak within 10 minutes. The usual symptoms are palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breadth, chest pains, dizziness, fear of dying, losing control, numbness, tingling etc. Panic attacks can be triggered with or without the presence of a stimulus. SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ) and Benzodiazepines are proven to be effective in the treatment. Psychotherapy in combination with medications is found to be more helpful. Abnormalities in thyroid functioning can cause anxiety. It may be better to clarify about your thyroid status from your physician. I would recommend that you get a comprehensive evaluation by a a trained Mental Health Professional for adequate diagnosis and treatment.
It seems like you may be having panic attacks. Panic attacks are scary and the symptoms reach a peak within 10 minutes. The usual symptoms are palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breadth, chest pains, dizziness, fear of dying, losing control, numbness, tingling etc. Panic attacks can be triggered with or without the presence of a stimulus. SSRI’s (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ) and Benzodiazepines are proven to be effective in the treatment. Psychotherapy in combination with medications is found to be more helpful. Abnormalities in thyroid functioning can cause anxiety. It may be better to clarify about your thyroid status from your physician. I would recommend that you get a comprehensive evaluation by a a trained Mental Health Professional for adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Sounds a lot like a panic response to me. I have exhibited similar responses in the past. I'd think you'd do well with some sort of stress management program. I think you're anticipating something setting you off each day, and you're "realizing" your thoughts. I've been on effexor for 1 1/2 years and it has done wonders for my state of mind brining a general feeling of calmness. I'd definitely discuss this with your doctor, rule out physical problems, and see what he can suggest.
Good Luck!
Mark
One more thing,
When I initially encountered my problems the first thing that was checked was my thyroid level (this has been checked a couple times since then). Apparently, a thyroid deficiency can have an effect on you and cause panic/anxiety. Something to keep in mind since you know you have a thyroid problem.
Hope this helps!
Mark