When do I know that I need to seek medical attention?

[rmjuarez12]

I am a 23 year old male, fit. My height is about 5'10'' and I weight 163lbs. I have been diagnosed with panic attacks. In the past, I have gone to the ER about 3 times, got full check, MRI, EKG, Holter, you name it. all the tests came back normal with no problems. On March I got a severe panic attack and because I was scared of what it was, I went to the doctor again. The doctor checked my heart and it was normal. Did an EKG that came back normal. My lipid profile was good too, so there were no problems. I do have the same symptoms as before, which are, palpitations, cold sweating hands/feet, shortness of breathe, chest pain, etc., nothing is different. I been able to calm myself down when I feel them, but sometimes it just gets a bit intense. My last check up was in April this year, which everything came back normal. So my question is, when do you guys think is my cue to go to the doctor again, if needed. Like I said, when I feel the symptoms, most of the times, when I start calming down, they go down. It usually start by a few palpitations, which according to my doctor are completely benign and are very common for everyone. I am working on controlling my anxiety, but I still would like to hear some opinions and such. Basically what I want to know, when can I tell it is anxiety and when can I tell is something serious.

Thanks and Cheers

[rmjuarez12]

Will do. Lately I've been able to control my panic attacks much more lately. Usually it starts whenever I feel something like a slight pain in the chest, or maybe a headache. Then my mind just thinks the worst possible thing, a heart attack, maybe a stroke. I've learned through time that all of this is in my head, but my mind still want to think the worst scenario. Like I said, last time I had a severe panic attack was in April. My heart was beating like crazy and had frequent palpitations. A couple of days later I went to the doctor, he did an EKG and blood tests to check my cholesterol levels, which everything came back ok. The doctor said it was all anxiety and I need to know that everything is on my mind. Is easier said than done, but little by little I am controlling it better. Thanks for all the answers =]

[skydnsr]

To both of you, you have my heartfelt support in finding the answers you need.  It can be done.  Again, look for cognitive-behavioral therapy.  There is a book called MIND OVER MOOD that can help, but it's kind of like trying to learn to play tennis by reading a book.  The book gives you a good idea what it's all about, but it's also very important to have in-person coaching.  A therapist can give you feedback about specific situations and how to apply the skills you learn.

[april109]

Good luck, and let us know what works for you!  :)

[april109]

Thank you. It gets the best of me..

[rmjuarez12]

Thank you very much for the responses.

Yeah, they are the same symptoms as to when I've been to either ER or to my general doctor. I will try to find a way to fight my anxiety.

[skydnsr]

If you are having the same symptoms that were diagnosed as anxiety on three previous trips to the ER, then the symptoms are probably still anxiety.  At age 23, with all of those medical tests checking out normal, you probably have at least another 20 years before your arteries could build up enough plaque to give you symptoms of coronary artery disease.  You'll want to get treatment for your anxiety.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy is very effective for panic attacks.  Good luck.

[april109]

I have been seeing on here so many younger people. Mine started at 18 and I am 38 now. I would like to know the same thing. I have been doing the hospital thing for 20 years now and still don't know. I'm sorry you are going through this. It is hell for me. I also have severe anxiety disorder, and depression because of this. Therapy might help. I know sites like this help me, and I have just found it... It has been a long 20 years. I just want peace. To be able to sleep at night without several panic attacks because of the palps.. To be able top do anything without feeling like I'm suddenly gonna die. There are really great people here and if you keep reading, you may find some kind of peace. I hope you do, you are just too young to have to go through these emotions. Take care.