Help me understand what I have.

[Jessica 20]

Hi, my name is Jessica. I'm 20 years old and I have recently found out I have an anxiety disorder. I don't fully understand what it is. My symptoms are, head pounding, feelings of losing control, going crazy, a lotof stomach problems, and most of all, breathing difficulty. I know these symptoms are part of it, but I also have gastritis and it's been going on for 2 months and my stomach seems to be getting worse. I get bad chest pains and stomach pains in my esophogus area. Should I go in to the hospital and get my stomach checked out to see if everything is fine and if they can help me relieve the pain?

[pattiross]

You definately have panic disorder, which is very treatable!  You need to go on some type of anti-depressant like paxil, prozac or zoloft - I've had the best luck with zoloft - it saved my life!  All your symptoms go together and the result is panic disorder.  Mine was so bad I was housebound for a year!  But I am living proof that you can get better - I function completely normally now and so can you.  Please try meds - they are a lifesaver!  No need to go to the ER - just call your doctor and you will be fine - promise!

[D ave Replogle]

Man i have had every damn test done on me cause i thought i was dieing i mean it too u feel totaly out of control they have done eeg eng ekg a bone scan been too a brain specialist and he said every thing is normal u have gad well what the **** is this and why does it make u feel sooooooooooo like killing someone or yourself but then theres days of total control i can do anything wait untill u catch tyhe flu with anxiety its living hell been three weeks still think i have the flu and yes i am seeing a phyiciatrist and no iam not depressed but i dont want too go on and on but every one feels my same pain give me a HELL YA

[money1]

I have had the exact same anxiety symptoms for the past six months.  Insomnia, difficulty swallowing, shaking, brutal stomach problems and light headedness.

I started taking Paxil and it has cleared everything up.  You may try Klonopin for short term relief, just don't take it too often.

Good luck.

[Jessica 20]

I am currently seeing a psychiatrist at the moment. This is my second time seeing her. She says about 4-5 more sessions and I should be on my way back to freedom. I've had this disorder for 4 months now. My psychiatrist specializes using a spectrum machine (lighting technique) to help dissolve everything. She's the kind of doctor that helps patients who have been on medication and takes them off my using this technique. Personally, I do not know if I will be good as new with these next treatments. Do you consider any medication that could ease my stomach pain and chest pains?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You can go to a doctor about your stomach, but it is very likely it is part of your anxiety disorder which is very treatable by a psychiatrist.