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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Breathlessness, Increased Pulse Rate, Shaking. History Of Panic Attacks, Stress. Treatment?

I have been experiencing shortness of breath for moment and then my pulse increases dramatically. I then feel dizzy and get shaky. It has been going on for about 2 weeks several times throughout the day. It feels like panic attacks but they are occurring when I am just sitting at desk or walking at work. I am prone to panic attacks normally when I get extremely anxious about something or stressed out but nothing is going on when they occur. Sure I have some added stress with work, new baby, husband being gone but I feel that I am managing things even when these episodes come on.
Fri, 4 Jan 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Dear Lisa,
Hi! Firstly I should appreciate the way you have so nicely described your symptoms. Please understand that the very nature of panic attacks says that they can occur any moment , and can occur even when you are not physically active. If you are prone to having panic attacks, any mild stress will make you have a lot many panic attacks. If its causing distress to you,you should surely visit a psychiatrist who would like to start you on some medications along with psychotherapy. The main information which is missing out in your write-up is your current age.if you are old aged, you should also get yourself checked by a physician and get an ECG done , just to be sure that we are dealing with only the panics.
Hope this settles your concerns.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Sundar Gnanavel's  Response
Hello........
Thanks for your query. The symptoms you describe of i.e attacks of episodic anxiety are indeed referred to as "panic attacks". Effective treatment is available in the form of anti-anxiety medication (eg SSRI group of medications) and psychotherapy (eg. cognitive behavioural therapy). I would also suggest you try yoga/meditation/breathing relaxation exercises. I would like to assure that these panic attacks are not life threatening. Hope you found the information useful.
Regards
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
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Breathlessness, Increased Pulse Rate, Shaking. History Of Panic Attacks, Stress. Treatment?

Dear Lisa, Hi! Firstly I should appreciate the way you have so nicely described your symptoms. Please understand that the very nature of panic attacks says that they can occur any moment , and can occur even when you are not physically active. If you are prone to having panic attacks, any mild stress will make you have a lot many panic attacks. If its causing distress to you,you should surely visit a psychiatrist who would like to start you on some medications along with psychotherapy. The main information which is missing out in your write-up is your current age.if you are old aged, you should also get yourself checked by a physician and get an ECG done , just to be sure that we are dealing with only the panics. Hope this settles your concerns.