Weird symptoms

[EmmyP]

I am 22 years old and have been suffering from some really strange "episodes". I suddenly feel extremely weak, keeping my eyes open is a struggle and I have to lie down. My breathing becomes really heavy, I often feel really hot and it is almost like I faint but am still concious. Immediately afterwards, without fail, I become really emotional and cry uncontrollably. I have had blood tests and an ECG. The blood test revealed a low white cell count but nothing that really relates to the weird episodes. I am wondering if anyone can shed any light on this as I have not had one for a couple of months but had one last night and it was really traumatic.

[ErinBBC]

After I read your post I looked up some stuff about panic attacks and the web pages I visited said that people who suffer panic attacks often don't feel stressed at the time because anxiety disorders are not caused by stress, but they are exacerbated by them and stress can make them worse.

Also the info I read said that you don't have to be depressed to have panic attacks, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a problem all it's own though it is common to have depression and GAD at the same time.  

I think that if the other problems mentioned by Doctornee (seizures, adrenal/thyroid problems, and PCOS) are ruled out, you should see a psychologist.  They have tons of good medicines and therapies for anxiety disorders, there's no reason you have to suffer.

Keep us posted,
E

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
The symptoms you are facing could be due to some types of seizures, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, gastric reflux or due to PCOS or adrenal gland problems. These could also be panic attacks and often the person who goes through them is unaware of his being under any kind of stress.
I think you should discuss these possibilities with your doctor. It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Take some one with you who can explain what he or she observes when with you. This will help a lot. Take care!

[EmmyP]

Thanks for replying ErinBBC. I have thought it might be panic attacks as the symptoms described seem very similar but generally I do not suffer with severe anxiety/depression etc....could I have panic attacks anyway? Also I have felt strange over the last couple of days since the episode. I am having more bloods done next week so will let you know. Thanks so much.
E

[ErinBBC]

Hi,
Has your doctor considered panic attacks?  They don't just happen when you are stressed as some people think, they can come out of nowhere.  They are an actual medical disease and are caused by certain areas of the brain malfunctioning.  Here is a list that gives symptoms of panic attacks: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/panic-attacks/DS00338/DSECTION=symptoms

I know you've said you have had blood tests, but I'd call your doc and make sure that they tested you for diabetes, hypoglycemia, and thyroid problems as these can all cause similar things to happen.

Good luck and keep us posted,
E