Is this anxiety I feel??

[Csukardi]

Hello everyone,

About 6 months ago I had my first panic attack. I felt strange, started getting tingly in the fingers and all over the body, started trembling. Ended up in the ER with an EKG done. Dismissed me saying it was an anxiety attack. Which I do believe. I'm sure that it was an anxiety attack. But here I am 6 months later with chest discomfort and left arm pain and left hand being tingly..

My psychiatrist told me I have GAD and we are in the process of trying different meds (which btw, nothing has every worked, even xanax doesn't make the symptoms go away)..

Well the real question that I want to ask.. Is this really GAD that I am experiencing?? First off, I have NOTHING to worry about, I love my job, I love my wife, I have 2 awesome dogs, my wife lets me play videogames all I want (lol). EVERYTHING IS GREAT!!!! ......... except these feelings..

As of the past few days, I have really bad chest discomfort. I really feel like i'm about to have a heart attack. I get pains in the upper left arm, my left hand gets tingly and I just feel like I could pass out (altho I never had... yet).

So can it really be GAD (anxiety) when I don't feel worry or feel anxious? (The reason why I am asking is cause everywhere I read about GAD it states that its extreme worry or fear for no reason at all, which i'm NOT experiencing) :(

I have read many posts on this forum and it comforts to see that I am not alone. Thanks for reading..

~Steve

[WendyLady03]

Anxiety has so many ridiculous physical symptoms that it makes it hard to believe you're not suffering from some serious physical medical condition. I swore for a month that I was dying, then I started seeing a psychotherapist and it has been incredibly helpful. She explained the cycle of anxiety and it all made a lot of sense. I felt the same as you, like my life was pretty awesome so I really have no reason to be freaking out, but it turns out there is something there along with a family predisposition for anxiety. Yay.

Good luck with everything!!

[Csukardi]

Thanks for the reply, I just scheduled an appointment with a Psychotherapist. Perhaps he can help me understand what is bringing these physical symptoms. I guess my only concern is that this really isn't anxiety and my body is in trouble where I am not doing anything to help it.

[boogieman]

Hello. If physical causes have been ruled out, you should see a psych professional to address your symptoms. It definitely sounds like some type of anxiety disorder, but I would leave it up to a professional to make a diagnosis. If meds are recommended, do the research and find out about all contraindications and possible side effects that may be experienced. Best wishes, GM

[Csukardi]

No biters? :*(

[Csukardi]

I apologize for any spelling mistakes or grammar errors.

Also, I should have mentioned I am a 27/Male.