Posted by GLYN on October 12, 2000, at 19:13:34
Hi,
I recently had what I would describe as a nervous breakdown (not a term anybody seems to use anymore but I mean it as a rapid onset/escalation of anxiety symptoms which provoke further anxiety symptoms in an ever decreasing vicious circle and soon spirals into all out state of being consumed with anxiety).
My Doc has given me the antidepressant Citalopram which made me 10 times worse for a week and then much better. However, I still suffer from a constant "lower level" anxiety and other symptoms which I am beginning to wonder may actualy be hytperthyroidism. Some persistant symptoms:
High temperature and sweating
Loose stools
Anxiety and excessive worry
Hand and head tremor and twitchy neck
Headaches
Heart Palpitations
Pulse rate at a constant 100 beat a minute at rest (usually around 70)
Sensitivity to light ( I wear shades on gloomy days like some wannabe rock star)WHat I was wondering is does anybody know if its possible to confuse anxiety and Hyperthyroidism ? I mean, can the anxiety symptoms it cause become panic attacks and agoraphobia (if the trauma of the anxiety causes them). Has anybody ever been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism when they first thought they had an anxiety disorder? I think I will aks the doctor for a check - or am I a total hypochrondriac on top of everything else?
By the way, what medications are there to control anxiety? I cant have beta blockers because I'm asthmatic, I refuse to take anti-psychotics because I beleive they are a bit of an overkill and they make me scared of the implications and my Doc refuses to prescribe Benzos as he says this will only add to my problems and I'll become addicted. Any other options anybody has heard of?
Thanks,
Glyn (Slowly turning into Woody Allen)
poster:GLYN
thread:46225
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001012/msgs/46225.html