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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
VMA test
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.
VMA test
by Theri, Nov 21, 1999 12:00AM
My daughter (12 yrs old) has had rapid heart rates (200 bpms) at the onset of light excercise. Usually reaching the high rate within the first minute of excercise. Her resting heart rate is anywhere from 80-120 beats per minute)She is on beta blockers and lanoxin for a heart disorder (mitral stenosis and Coarchtation of the Aorta). The drs are saying the rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing is related to mental illnes such as depression or anxiety attacks. I even had one Dr. (a pulmonologist tell me that the problem is me, that I am depressed and stressed causing her to have theses symptoms)
We did a stress test, which she could not complete due to high heart rate. She didnt even get past the fast walk section.
She has had two echos in the last few months, showed nothing
They did a VMA test that came back with normal levels over a 24 hour period of time. During this time she had two "heart accelerations" If this was anxiety attacks, wouldnt there show an increase of adrenalin?
We are at our wits end trying to find out why this is going on, so it can be treated. WE are concerned about her heart over working itself.
We did a stress test, which she could not complete due to high heart rate. She didnt even get past the fast walk section.
She has had two echos in the last few months, showed nothing
They did a VMA test that came back with normal levels over a 24 hour period of time. During this time she had two "heart accelerations" If this was anxiety attacks, wouldnt there show an increase of adrenalin?
We are at our wits end trying to find out why this is going on, so it can be treated. WE are concerned about her heart over working itself.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Nov 23, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Theri,
It must be difficult for you to see your daughter undergoing many tests and investigations without a specific cause to her symptoms identified.
Anxiety may have medical or psychiatric causes. Stress may also contribute to your daughters symptoms.
It is important to rule out medical causes for her symptoms, as you are doing.
I recommend a referral to a psychiatrist, treatment in the form of psychotherapy or medication could help reduce her symptoms.
Best Wishes to you and your daughter.
HFHS M.D.-SW
It must be difficult for you to see your daughter undergoing many tests and investigations without a specific cause to her symptoms identified.
Anxiety may have medical or psychiatric causes. Stress may also contribute to your daughters symptoms.
It is important to rule out medical causes for her symptoms, as you are doing.
I recommend a referral to a psychiatrist, treatment in the form of psychotherapy or medication could help reduce her symptoms.
Best Wishes to you and your daughter.
HFHS M.D.-SW
