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Having Dizziness, Chest Pain And Throat Tightness. Do I Have Anxiety Or Psychosomatic Disorder?
Question: HI,
Im not sure if it is a psychologist I am looking for but I need to talk to someone.
Since last september I have been having pains or sensation in my chest and I get dizzy occasionally or worry about my breathing. I kept thinking there was issues with my heart. I went to a cardiologist and got loads of tests done and he was happy that I went on about my life not holding back on exercise.
I am recovering reasonably well over the last 2 months but for the occasional worry. I think there is a chance this could be all psychosomatic or possibly anxiety. When I go to exercise I feel like something could happen or that I shouldnt push myself and get a bit dizzy or tight in the chest or my throat would get tight. I would really like some help on how to get over this and believe in my doctors diagnosis, if that is what I should do?
XXXXXX
Im not sure if it is a psychologist I am looking for but I need to talk to someone.
Since last september I have been having pains or sensation in my chest and I get dizzy occasionally or worry about my breathing. I kept thinking there was issues with my heart. I went to a cardiologist and got loads of tests done and he was happy that I went on about my life not holding back on exercise.
I am recovering reasonably well over the last 2 months but for the occasional worry. I think there is a chance this could be all psychosomatic or possibly anxiety. When I go to exercise I feel like something could happen or that I shouldnt push myself and get a bit dizzy or tight in the chest or my throat would get tight. I would really like some help on how to get over this and believe in my doctors diagnosis, if that is what I should do?
XXXXXX
Hello.....
I understand your concern with the symptoms. As you mentioned your symptoms fit into an anxiety disorder or a psychosomatic disorder like somatisation disorder with anxiety symptoms. I also realise you have distorted negative cognitions/thinking particularly when you want to exercise. I would suggest you start meditation/yoga along with breathing relaxation exercises. Avoid tea/coffee/carbonated beverages. You might benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy by a clinical psychologist to improve your confidence. As a last resort, if required anti-anxiety medication can be started after a psychiatric evaluation. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
I understand your concern with the symptoms. As you mentioned your symptoms fit into an anxiety disorder or a psychosomatic disorder like somatisation disorder with anxiety symptoms. I also realise you have distorted negative cognitions/thinking particularly when you want to exercise. I would suggest you start meditation/yoga along with breathing relaxation exercises. Avoid tea/coffee/carbonated beverages. You might benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy by a clinical psychologist to improve your confidence. As a last resort, if required anti-anxiety medication can be started after a psychiatric evaluation. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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