Hello everyone

:confused:
Hi everyone. Found this forum whilst prowling around the net, trying some 'distraction therapy' as today is not one my my better days.
I have been off work since early December when I went to see the Doctor because of increasing panic attacks, anxiousness, sleeplessness and a general feeling that I was not in control of my life any more, and on the brink of something terrible.

The Doctor diagnosed an anxiety disorder, not surprising really as I had a quite sever episode about 7 years ago. I have also suffered from bouts of depression since young, which seem to appear every 6-8 years.

This time I have been prescribed Fluoxetine, 40mg a day at the moment, and initially was also on Diazapam to try to control the worst symptons of the panic, and to help me get some sleep. I have also been referred to a Community Psychiatric Nurse for councelling.

At the moment I have seem to have a string of good days, followed by a couple of bad days. I have identified some triggers and can understand why I get or start to get a Panic Attack, but other times they come out of the blue without any warning. Crowds and noise seem to be big triggers, although I have had attacks when at home when even close friends have visited.

So, thats a bit about me.

Hi i also have anxiety problems i finally got diagnosed as having "obsessive compulsiv personality disorder i find diazapam helps. Maybe seeing a psychologist would be helpfull ask your psychiatrist when you see them.Good luck

Saw one of my councellors again on Friday - I sound greedy as I have two at the moment.
Anyway, the session went very well, but the thing that did come out is that they think I may have a mild to moderate form of Bi-polar disorder (BPD), in addition to suffering from anxiety/panic attacks and agoraphobia.
This came about mainly as I was in a really good mood, almost excitable really, when I arrived, and they asked me if I often felt like this. Thinking back, when the axiety/panic is under control, my moods do swing quite rapidly, and I also get criticised by colleagues for being over boistrous, noisy and having silly ideas at times. However, other times they complain as I 'go quiet' (using their terminology) and don't paticipate or contribute much, if anything. When i'm on a high - so to speak - nothing can stop me and I can blunder through life without any problems or concerns. Unfortunatly I do come crashing down on occasions.
My councellor suggested this may be mild to moderate BPD. My Doctor, nor my other councellor has mentioned or discussed this with me, so I now have somthing else to ponder before by next visit to them.

I have spoken to a couple of close friends about this, and they seem to think I should be worried about this suggestion. My partner also things I may be 'self-diagnosing' as I spent much of the rest of the day in the Library reading up on BPD and then surfing the web in the evening looking at more general mental health information.

At the moment I do not feel worried or concerned about the idea, as it does not feel abnormal or wrong to me. Maybe this should say a lot, or maybe it says nothing at all. I'll have to mull this one over.

ANyway, its a lovely day, clear blue sky, nice sunshine. Off out with the dogs for some much needed fresh air.

You take care all.

Smiff :)

:( Hi
My Name is Babs. I have suffered with depresson for about 13 years and anxiety and panic attacks on and off for about 6 years. They had been under control till a couple of weeks ago when I started waking up at night with the panic attacks again. That seems to be the only time I have them, I just wake up out of the blue and im sweating, shaking, my heart is pounding, I cant breathe and am TOTALLY convinced I am going to die!! I was even begging my hubby to call an ambulance a week or so ago it was that bad!

I have been back to my GP who has changed my meds from 200mg of sertraline a day to citalopram so am weaning off the sertraline right now which is hell and he has also given me diazepam for when the attacks are really bad but I'm terrified of getting hooked on them. He has also referred me for a mental health assessment but I just want to feel normal again. I spend my entire day worrying about going to bed and I am so exhausted all the time. My poor hubby and kids are suffering too so I feel guilty all the time!

Im glad what you are doing seems to be working, I just hope they come up with a plan to help me!! Any advice or suggestions would be gratefully received!

Babs :(

Hi Babs

I really rate Citalopram and Escitalopram. I have had panic attacks for 8 years and they have got a lot better while I have been taking these two meds. Let's hope you feel better too. What dosage are you on, 20mg?

Chris