Hi John

Welcome to Neurotalk (NT) - Sorry to read of your debilitating condition - I hope others here will weigh in and help you to figure out what's going on.

I don't have much experience in the subject of anxiety but I was just reading the interesting article in the thread linked below. I realize you may not have chronic pain but the link to anxiety may be useful to you as a path to research. I don't know if testing of levels of the PACAP peptide transmitter mentioned in the article is readily available in the US but it may be something to look at.

Chronic Pain and Anxiety Linked By Neurotransmitter | Psych Central News

I also started a thread connected to this article with further links to the topic and maybe others with more knowledge will add to the discussion:

Chronic Pain & Anxiety - peptide neurotransmitter link

One thing you mentioned was a shakiness or tremor that you experience. Did your neurologist discuss this or diagnose it as Essential Tremor? Also by any chance are you very tall?

How and why the body/mind behaves in the way it sometimes does can be an ongoing mystery for many. I'm dealing with auto-immune issues for which there is no cure, so having to accept this is my new 'normal' is the only choice I have. All I can say is keep searching for a definitive diagnosis - mine took 10 years of illness before reaching a physical crisis and finally a diagnosis.

You're obviously capable of research and I'd encourage you to think laterally when searching for a possible diagnosis. Don't bombard the medical professionals with info - eliminate for yourself any probable causes and only discuss those that have a reasonable viability.

All the best for finding a way to manage your condition and move forward with your life.

Hi John

Welcome to NT.

I live with mild/moderate anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder - I am on medication for the latter.

A while ago I went to a weekly therapy group for people with mood disorders. I learned Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) methods from the clinical psychologist who ran the group.

CBT has made a big difference to my anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder.

It might help if you found a mental health professional who has experience of working with his/her clients using CBT methods.

Thanks guys. Yes. I am 6'2". It's this physical anxiety I can't quite explain. I got the doctor to switch me to Valium due to the longer half life and she doubled my quantity. So we shall see how I do on Diazepam. I have strange headaches. Like a rubber band is around my head. I also talk to a counselor today about cbt and emv and cht. I just have to get a diagnosis is of ptsd first from my doctor before I can do individual sessions. Due to the fact I have no insurance. Thanks so much. I'll keep ya'll updated.

John my son endedup with debilitating anxiety , depression, ruminating thoughts etc. he had several concussions and had post concussion syndrome for some years. an HRT doc who works with concussion patients treated him and his anxiety is at normal levels and depression is gone. his constant panic attacks are gone also. he used to describe them to me as very powerful and physical. after he started his hrt therapy i did some research and found testosterone forums with others who also agreed that low testosterone or high test or low or high estradiol caused them panic attacks also. the hormone issues can be caused by stress or trauma and in some individuals the HPTA axis does not reset to correct. its worth getting your levels medically checked. my son faced a lifetime of medication..