[QWERTY02]

I was never officially "diagnosed" with a concussion, however I did hit my head. I started to develop PCS-like symptoms but again, the term "PCS" was never brought up. I saw a neurologist who ran me through a battery of standard "office visit tests" and suggested I had GAD. I don't doubt him but I also feel like "GAD" is a catch-all diagnoses used when the real cause is unknown. (i.e. "your allocated 45 minutes are up, I can't find anything wrong with you, for peace of mind I'll tell you it's GAD...")

I have a lot of unknowns, a lot of questions, symptoms that evolve/ change weekly and I'm 3.5 months into this debacle. Would seeing a psychologist help? Has anyone had any experience with them?

I'm not looking for medication. I want to cover all my bases just in case this IS all or somewhat psychological in nature rather than medical...if that makes any sense.

[EsthersDoll]

It turns out that the concussion I sustained caused me to have hypopituitarism. It's completely medical in nature and is being treated by hormones and I'm significantly better than I was without them.

But I still benefitted greatly from having the support, care and attentive ear of a therapist throughout my recovery, diagnosis and the beginning of the HRT (3+ years total.)

So, yes, I think if you feel stressed out or anxious or upset, then you should definitely seek a psychologist or therapist to help you handle your situation, no matter what it ends up being caused from.

[QWERTY02]

What is the difference between psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, social worker, etc? I know a psychiatrist can prescribe meds and the rest can't but I don't understand the granularity with each.

And I know every situation is different but what is discussed at these sessions?

I hate to group all medical professionals together, but I'm hesitant to spend more money to have another professional tell me..."no caffeine, alcohol, junk food; get exercise, get plenty of sleep, lower stress; etc." I'm doing all these thinks already.

[Mark in Idaho]

I think the question you might be trying to ask is : What symptoms can medical professionals help one overcome ?

The anxiety issues caused by PCS may present like GAD but they have more of a physiological orientation than a psychological one.

What symptoms are you having the biggest struggle with ?

[QWERTY02]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

What symptoms are you having the biggest struggle with ?

Such a tough question to answer, my symptoms are constantly evolving and difficult to describe.

Most debilitating:
Perception/ balance feels off...vision is fine.
An overall ill or unwell feeling.
Upon waking up, I can feel my heart beating, almost like anxiety is waking me up (ie I'm starting to fear the morning because I know I have to struggle through the entire day).

Symptoms that are manageable but annoying:
I feel jittery but my body isn't shaking.
Soft spots/muscles on head are tender to the touch.
Head aches/ pain/ pressure. (most dynamic)
Derealization/Depersonalization episodes.

Imagine spending 3-4 days recovering in bed from the Flu or a stomach bug. Then going outside or to work for the first time since getting sick...that's how I feel...a 'blah' feeling.

However, physical or engaging activities make me feel better...cardio at the gym, basketball, snow blowing the driveway, general house cleaning, handyman-type work.....sex .
It seems like during rest or idleness is when most of my symptoms flare up. Part of me questions if I'm just thinking too much and harping which is leading to my problems.