Thread: Panic Attacks or more?

I have been having trouble living comfortably these last few years. I had severe panic attacks for over a year nearly non-stop until I took anti-depressants. I have also been having other problems. This occurred shortly after I stopped taking my low dose thyroid medication. I feel somewhat better now. Problems occur during differential diagnosis. You see, it could be my thyroid but it could also be stress, anxiety or depression (I spent most of my teen years alone...I had few friends and was depressed). My symptoms are sweating, depression, panic attacks, sensitivity to cold (mild) and palpitations.

I think it may be hypothyroidism b/c a.) I have a family history of it b.) my sensitivity to cold (which was originally shivering all night long a few winters ago right after I stopped taking thyroid meds and has since abated... c.) two doctors have said "well, your levels are a bit low..you can take meds if you feel you need to.. d.) was having intestinal problems (cramps, frequent bowel movements) initially

I think it may be anxiety/depression sometimes though b/c: a.) I am usually less anxious when at home..maybe it's social anxiety b.) I haven't had a severe panic attack in a few years c.) I have a history of depression (though it could have been my thyroid which caused it) d.) I haven't gained weight e.) I'm never very fatigued

I may be ok...I may really not be. I'd like to find out. What disturbs me is my palpitations. Every night I sleep on my arm and hear my heart beating (normal rhythm but strongly) through it. I know what hypothyroidism can do to a person...I want to know if I suffer from it. What do you think?

Unfortunately i would guess a mix between hyperthyroidism and anxiety. the body is linked so closely to the mind. stomach problems result from anxiety oftentimes. my advice is psychiatrist and m.d. depression n anxiety are related. fluctuating moods can result from imbalance of chemicals.

Check for hyperthyroidism?

Ill be doing the same after JB pointeded it out as a possibility in another thread here as im suffering from:

Always fatigued, constantly sweating, always hot, depressed`ish.

Living is stressful. Try to become accustomed to that fact.

This isn't the place to be asking a question like that. More information of your history is needed, of which, I'm sure you'd rather tell in confidentiality than publicly. It sounds more like anxiety but you need to consult a psychiatrist or a few for several opinions. The greatest factor to one's health is themselves. Only the patient can help themselves; there's only so much a physician can do. Go to the gym every day. Partake in yoga. When trying to fall asleep, listen to something that can reduce brain activity (slow waves (delta) are representative of deep sleep). Eat healthy foods rich in GABA to reduce anxiety and eat foods to lower dopamine levels and depression. The outstanding feature you mentioned is 'sweating' which is primarily representative of hyperthyroidism, and not hypothyroidism, which leads me to believe that this is more anxiety. Regardless, consult a physician.

Originally Posted by Abscess

This isn't the place to be asking a question like that. More information of your history is needed, of which, I'm sure you'd rather tell in confidentiality than publicly. It sounds more like anxiety but you need to consult a psychiatrist or a few for several opinions. The greatest factor to one's health is themselves. Only the patient can help themselves; there's only so much a physician can do. Go to the gym every day. Partake in yoga. When trying to fall asleep, listen to something that can reduce brain activity (slow waves (delta) are representative of deep sleep). Eat healthy foods rich in GABA to reduce anxiety and eat foods to lower dopamine levels and depression. The outstanding feature you mentioned is 'sweating' which is primarily representative of hyperthyroidism, and not hypothyroidism, which leads me to believe that this is more anxiety. Regardless, consult a physician.

I agree. I would suggest a full battery of tests, including tests for allergies, blood cultures, hormone levels, blood sugar, urine tests, etc. A lot of the time a physiological problem gives complex symptoms often automatically diagnosed as purely psychological. You might not feel that tired, but many people get used to being tired all the time. Record yourself while you are sleeping to listen for trouble breathing or talking in your sleep (someone else suggested this earlier). these are just suggestions though. As Abscess said, consult a physician.



PS: Abscess, I'd like to welcome you back to the forum. We can always use a few more level-headed people on this forum.

The hypothyroidism is like... we’ve all got it.

We technically don’t have to eat for weeks, or have to steal to get a million pounds.

Imagine yourself in heaven... then imagine yourself where you are now...

... then imagine yourself in heaven again.

It’s like walking into a room with your finger in your back pants... and then pulling it out and sniffing your finger.

Also you might be cold because you don’t have any muscle or fat, you don’t need both, and as for the social anxiety... no-one actually likes going out to get the pussy.