Strange symptoms

[Dan]

I am concerned about some symptoms I have been experiencing over the last several months and I don't know if the problem is medical or mental.  To understand the background, I am a real low key- easy going, and well adjusted individual.  Lately, however, I have not felt like myself at all.  I have been "spaced-out," having touble focusing; irritability and impatience has been a symptom- something I have never experienced before; and a physical manifestation is a persistant knotting of the stomach (like the feeling you get in a fight or flight type response in the gut).  Do you have any advice?  Is this a Neurological problem or a mental problem?
                          -Thanx,
                             Dan

[HFHS MD - RG]

Dear Dan,

A thorough medical examination needs to be done to
rule out any treatable causes for your condition, such as anemia and thyroid disease. After you have been seen by your physician and there is no physical basis for your symptoms, a consultation with a psychiatrist may be indicated. The psychiatrist will perform a full psychiatric examination to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

You describe feeling "spaced-out," having trouble focusing, irritability, impatience and "knotting of the stomach", all of which may either be a manifestation of a depressive episode or anxiety.

Either of these conditions are treatable with psychotherapy and/or medications.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD - RG

[Dan]

Thank You for the help- I will make an appt.