Suggest Treatment For Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Posted on Wed, 25 Feb 2015

Question: I have generalized anxiety disorder. Sometimes when I am in a semi-waking state in the morning, I will feel as if my heart is racing. In a more fully awake state just a second or two later, I will take my pulse and it is normal (around (65). So the racing heart seems to be a false perception. I don't remember particularly stressful dreaming when awakening like this. Is this false perception a subconscious reaction to anxiety during the day that I may be aware of, or a dream that I just don't remember? It's very disturbing. My wife says I am in a dreamlike state when it happens, so it must be part of the dream cycle. What's happening here? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
its sub/unconscious -try deep relaxation

Detailed Answer:
Hello

You feel anxious and racing heart just prior to getting up but have a normal pulse then. It is more likely to be related to some subconcious anxiety or dream state-as your pulse is otherwise normal & also coz you have GAD diagnosis.
All psychiatric illnesses are supposed to have a subconscious basis-i.e., there is some subconscious or unconscious disturbance/ conflict which gives rise to the illness.
Your subconscious mind is more stressed on some days and develop this particular symptom.

Dont worry as there is no organic basis to it as heart rate is normal.

To get rid of this you would need to work on unconscious/ subconscious zones-by deep relaxation. You can practice relaxation exercises before going to sleep. I think they will help you.

Good luck!
Please feel free ask more questions for clarification.

Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar