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I Am A 25 Year Old Male And I Recently
Question: I am a 25 year old male and I recently finished an anxiety disorder treatment 2 months ago. However, a month later, I was struck with a strong panic attack right after I went to bed. Ever since then, I have insomnia, my appetite comes and goes, I sweat occasionally and I also had diarrhea. I went to my psychiatrist and he told me that my disorder is back. But the thing is, the symptoms are not the same as the first time. At first, I didn't have insomnia, which I now do, I didn't have panic attacks during sleep, which I now had, and the first time I was also depressed, which I am not now. The only common symptom between then and now is my lack of appetite. Is this normal? I am very worried I might have sporadic fatal insomnia, since the symptoms are similar. I tried some sleeping pills and they helped for a few days, but now they don't help either. Some sites say they help a little, while others say they don't help at all, so i'm confused. Help me, please. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
As per the symptoms you have quoted,I would agree with your clinician that your anxiety disorder is back.
The symptoms can vary from palpitation,loose motions,perspiration,lack of appetite,insomnia,lack of confidence,lack of drive,feeling of doom etc.
Every anxiety is accompanied by some degree of depression and every depression is accompanied by some degree of anxiety though the quantum may differ.
Insomnia is a hallmark of anxiety and panic attacks.
You need a proper treatment which would be tailored by your psychiatrist.
It would consist of antianxiety and antidepressants.
Sleeping pills benzodiazepines are the hallmark of treatment but they should be taken under medical supervision.
Instead of increasing the dose,your doctor would change the class of drug which would be more effective for you.
Counselling,cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT),relaxation techniques,belly breathing and meditation would help you relax and get a good amount of sleep.
Hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any doubts,please let me know.
Regards
GENERALISED ANXIETY DISORDER
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX
As per the symptoms you have quoted,I would agree with your clinician that your anxiety disorder is back.
The symptoms can vary from palpitation,loose motions,perspiration,lack of appetite,insomnia,lack of confidence,lack of drive,feeling of doom etc.
Every anxiety is accompanied by some degree of depression and every depression is accompanied by some degree of anxiety though the quantum may differ.
Insomnia is a hallmark of anxiety and panic attacks.
You need a proper treatment which would be tailored by your psychiatrist.
It would consist of antianxiety and antidepressants.
Sleeping pills benzodiazepines are the hallmark of treatment but they should be taken under medical supervision.
Instead of increasing the dose,your doctor would change the class of drug which would be more effective for you.
Counselling,cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT),relaxation techniques,belly breathing and meditation would help you relax and get a good amount of sleep.
Hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any doubts,please let me know.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hello, dr. XXXXXXX Thank you for your answer. I do have a question, though. If my disorder is back, shouldn't the symptoms be the same as last time? Like I said, the only common symptom between then and now is my lack of appetite. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
GAD
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The symptoms on relapse need not be exactly the same as they were during the prior episodes.
Anxiety may present in permutations and combinations of symptoms like
excess worry,agitation,irritability,restlessness,social withdrawal,sleep disorders,anorexia,irrational phobias,panic attacks,shallow breathing,palpitation,sweating,restlessness,dry mouth,diarrhea,difficulty in concentrating,tense muscles,fatigue,lassitude,lack of drive,lack of confidence,shaking and tremors etc.
Whatever be the presentation,sleep disturbances are an integral part of anxiety and are strongly linked with it.It includes trouble falling asleep,mid night arousal and difficulty in staying asleep.
It is a vicious cycle.Insomnia adds to anxiety and anxiety adds to insomnia.
But don't be over stressed.This can easily be salvaged by CBT ,stimulation control therapy,prescription medicines,vitamin (like vitamin B12 and vitamin D) and amino acids (like tryptophan,glycine,glutamine) supplementation and life style modifications.
Life style modifications include eating a healthy diet,abstaining from alcohol and smoking,limiting caffeine intake,avoiding heavy dinner and beverages before bed,being physically active,practicing yoga and meditation and sticking to a sleep schedule.
Appetite would improve as your anxiety weans off.
Stay healthy and stay blessed.
Regards
GAD
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
The symptoms on relapse need not be exactly the same as they were during the prior episodes.
Anxiety may present in permutations and combinations of symptoms like
excess worry,agitation,irritability,restlessness,social withdrawal,sleep disorders,anorexia,irrational phobias,panic attacks,shallow breathing,palpitation,sweating,restlessness,dry mouth,diarrhea,difficulty in concentrating,tense muscles,fatigue,lassitude,lack of drive,lack of confidence,shaking and tremors etc.
Whatever be the presentation,sleep disturbances are an integral part of anxiety and are strongly linked with it.It includes trouble falling asleep,mid night arousal and difficulty in staying asleep.
It is a vicious cycle.Insomnia adds to anxiety and anxiety adds to insomnia.
But don't be over stressed.This can easily be salvaged by CBT ,stimulation control therapy,prescription medicines,vitamin (like vitamin B12 and vitamin D) and amino acids (like tryptophan,glycine,glutamine) supplementation and life style modifications.
Life style modifications include eating a healthy diet,abstaining from alcohol and smoking,limiting caffeine intake,avoiding heavy dinner and beverages before bed,being physically active,practicing yoga and meditation and sticking to a sleep schedule.
Appetite would improve as your anxiety weans off.
Stay healthy and stay blessed.
Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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