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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
fear of disease and dying
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.
fear of disease and dying
by mary__0__0, Apr 10, 1999 12:00AM
hi I need help
I have a promblem with anxiety my doctors says
Iam always scared i have some awful disease right now i fear
ALS or MS
Here are my symptoms
I feel like i can't talk right like Iam slurring my speech
I my tongue feels funny and dry at times
I dont have problems swallowing but at times i feel like something is stuck in my throat
the slurring of the speech scares me the most
do i have als or am i going crazy
Iam a mother of three small children One who is very sick
He has a brain tumor
I can't get sick now i need to take care of him
Thanks
I need help!!!!!!!!!!
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-HG, Apr 10, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear Mary,
You seem to be quite worried about having Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Multiple sclerosis (MS). Before jumping to conclusions, it would be helpful to consult your physician for a comprehensive evaluation.
ALS may develop in young adults, but more commonly develops between 60-70 years. Symptoms are usually weakness, atrophy (thinning of muscles) and muscle twitching . Presenting symptoms may be slurred speech or difficulty in swallowing.
MS usually occurs between ages 15 and 50 years. The most frequently encountered symptoms in MS are weakness, sensory disturbances, eye problems, bladder problems and sexual dysfunction. The course of the disease is characterized by exacerbetions and remissions. It is also possible that your symptoms are stress related or due to depression or anxiety. There are other neurological and psychiatric disorders that could explain the symptoms.
For a confidential evaluation at Henry Ford Hospital Behavioral Services clinic, you can call (248) 689-7476. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be replaced by evaluation with a physician.
Key words: MS, ALS
