It seems you are suffering from panic disorder

I have seen many specialist doctors and undergone different types of blood tests and scans. Doctors say that everything is normal and gave me some tablets, which helped in reducing the problem. But after few weeks it starts again. Lately, I get these attacks many times in a day and I am even scared to travel alone. My heart starts beating so fast all of a sudden, and then I feel giddy. Feels as if I am going to fall, my hands and feet feel numb, at times I cannot breathe and I feel so scared that I might die. I have met a physician, cardiologist and a neurologist. After all the tests they say there is nothing wrong with me and nothing to worry. They say it’s because of the stress. I am thinking of going back to India as I am unable to attend my work regularly and I might lose my job. As all tests are normal and as doctors say it’s just because of my tension and my friends asked me to consult a psychiatrist I would like to know whether I am suffering from any psychiatric illness. If so, how is that possible as I have only palpitation, breathlessness and giddiness without any other mental problem? If this is a psychiatric problem I would like to know what the treatment is and whether it is curable. I will be really grateful if you could clarify my doubts. Thank you.

Dr Sreekumar V. Nair replies: From your description of symptoms it appears to me that you are suffering from panic disorder, one of the anxiety disorders in which a person has a sudden flow of overwhelming anxiety and fear. Your heart pounds, you tremble and you may even feel breathless. You feel dizzy or even feel like you’re dying or going crazy. Other symptoms are sweating, choking sensation, chest pain, nausea, numbness or tingling, chills or hot flashes and some sense of altered reality. Left untreated, panic attacks can lead to phobias and other problems.

Panic attacks cannot be predicted; therefore one tends to be anxious or worried wondering when the next panic attack will occur. They may even cause you to withdraw from normal activities. In many cases, panic attacks strike out of the blue, without any warning. Often, there is no clear reason for the attack. They may even occur when you’re relaxed or asleep.

Psychological factors like stressful life events, life transitions, excessive responsibilities, environment, and thinking in a way that exaggerates relatively normal bodily reactions are also believed to play a role in the onset of panic disorder. It often causes negative social experiences (like embarrassment).

Because of the intense symptoms that accompany panic disorder, it may be mistaken for a life-threatening physical illness such as a heart attack. This misconception often aggravates or triggers future attacks. People frequently go to hospital emergency rooms when they are having panic attacks, and extensive medical tests may be performed to rule out other conditions.

Since you have completed all the investigations, I would advice you to see a psychiatrist because panic disorder can be controlled and is treatable – and the sooner you seek help the better.

With treatment, you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of panic and regain control of your life. A variety of interventions such as medications combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy are used for this. This will definitely resolve your problem.

Disclaimer: This blog is a conversation and is not an alternative for treatment. The recommendations and suggestions offered by our panel of psychiatrists are their own and Gulf News will not take any responsibility for the advice they provide.