[branulefae]

I've researched a lot about AD, and I appear to have many of the simptoms of moderate anxiety. I'm afraid it might get worse, or affect my academic and social life (in fact, it has already affected both). I'm new here, so I think I'm just looking for a little bit of advice or maybe someone to talk to.

[Kitt]

Welcome branulefae.

[EnglishDave]

Originally Posted by branulefae

I've researched a lot about AD, and I appear to have many of the simptoms of moderate anxiety. I'm afraid it might get worse, or affect my academic and social life (in fact, it has already affected both). I'm new here, so I think I'm just looking for a little bit of advice or maybe someone to talk to.

Hi Branulefae,
Having suffered from Anxiety problems for over 30 years I can understand your concern. Can you expand on your symptoms as much as you feel comfortable, either here or on the Anxiety and OCD Forum. That way we will be better able to formulate and address your questions.
If you feel you just need to talk around the subject to start with, that's fine too.

Dave.

[Lara]

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

Here is the link to the Anxiety & OCD Forum that Dave has mentioned in his post.

Also check out the "Sticky" threads at the top of that forum. There is useful information and websites etc. in there as well.

take care.

[Snoopy]

Hello branulefae and welcome to NeuroTalk

If you believe you are dealing with an Anxiety Disorder I would suggest you see a Dr. for a proper diagnosis and treatment. A primary Care Physician would be fine to see, but Anxiety Disorders fall under the specialty of a Psychiatrist.

Take care

[EnglishDave]

Originally Posted by Snoopy

Hello branulefae and welcome to NeuroTalk

If you believe you are dealing with an Anxiety Disorder I would suggest you see a Dr. for a proper diagnosis and treatment. A primary Care Physician would be fine to see, but Anxiety Disorders fall under the specialty of a Psychiatrist.

Take care

Hi Snoopy,
Thanks for that, it's exactly where I was going - but , at it's worst, my Anxiety Attacks can be caused by thinking or talking about them. This fear/attack cycle kept me away from the Dr for over a year before I was literally dragged there by my best friend.
Last year, after years of control, a Psychologist deliberately triggered an attack to 'prove' I was still suffering. I am now back to how I was years ago.

Dave

[Snoopy]

Originally Posted by EnglishDave

Last year, after years of control, a Psychologist deliberately triggered an attack to 'prove' I was still suffering. I am now back to how I was years ago.

Hi Dave,

I am sorry a Psychologist triggered an anxiety attack just to make a point. I would question the professionalism of that Psychologist.

my Anxiety Attacks can be caused by thinking or talking about them.

How it had been explained to me: Thoughts, fear, worry, = anxiety attacks.

With a good Psychotherapist it is possible to interrupt and correct the negative thought process and in time, the ability to control your anxiety.

[Lara]

but...

Anxiety is also associated with some medical conditions.

Diabetes, certain heart conditions, TBI and PCS (Post Concussion Syndrome), asthma, hormonal issues especially thyroid problems, people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and many others.

If a person didn't have anxiety as a child and there is a sudden onset of anxiety related issues then it is very important to have a complete physical to exclude other causes.

There is of course the matter of genetic predisposition.

It's not all in the mind.

[EnglishDave]

Originally Posted by Snoopy

Hi Dave,

I am sorry a Psychologist triggered an anxiety attack just to make a point. I would question the professionalism of that Psychologist.



How it had been explained to me: Thoughts, fear, worry, = anxiety attacks.

With a good Psychotherapist it is possible to interrupt and correct the negative thought process and in time, the ability to control your anxiety.

Hi Snoopy,
I'm afraid that is too much of a generalization. My Mother, Sister and Niece all suffer(ed) from extreme Anxiety Attacks, although I knew nothing of my Mother's and was first of other 3 to manifest.
I was an extremely happy 22yo with a nice house, beautiful Fiancee and job I loved in Quality Management. My Fiancee and I were having a meal in a restaurant with her parents and a couple of friends. Out of the blue I started sweating and shaking, my vision became tunnelled then started 'greying out' and my heart started racing and pounding with pains as though I was having a heart attack. I didn't even excuse myself - I just had to get out - and I barged my way outside.
I was not worried or fearful prior to the attack, this is the thing, Anxiety is totally irrational. Typing this is raising my levels alarmingly high but I am calm in myself.
Luckily I was working for an American company with people who understood. My desk was moved next to the door, in meetings I sat by an open door and I was excused functions and seminars until I started beta-blockers, which I popped like Pez.
The Psychologist who triggered my attacks again was supposed to be on my PM team, and Anxiety came up in the first session as I have problems with eye contact because of it. He triggered an attack to show how little control I had. This was just 3 months after my Cardiologist had stopped beta-blockers to put me on new heart meds.

Dave.

[Snoopy]

Hi Dave,

Originally Posted by EnglishDave

this is the thing, Anxiety is totally irrational.

You are correct. Anxiety is irrational.

Anxiety attacks can happen out of the blue and the person won't may not even know why. When this happens it can cause the person to fear the incident happening again which can create a vicious cycle.

Dave, I spent 10 years on a Benzodiazepine to try and control anxiety and panic attacks. I tried to handle them without the Benzodiazepine (I don't like taking medications) but an attack would cause irrational reactions. My thought process was not rational and the "flight or fight" response kicked in then I would "run." The Benzodiazepine allowed me to calm down and once again think rationally.

During that 10 years I was also in Therapy.

I have been out of therapy and off the Benzodiazepine for a year.

Take care, Dave.