I think my cousin has a Panic Disorder

I've just recently moved in with my cousin and she has landed in the hospital 3 times in the last week. However, the doctors cannot find anything wrong physically. She's having chest pains, difficulty breathing, she checks her blood pressure every 10 minutes and needs constant attention. At first I thought she may be a Hypochondriac but, I am starting to think she may have some kind of Panic Disorder...How can I help her relax when these things start to happen? I feel helpless. If you can help let me know...thanks.

I'm sorry you are having to deal with your cousin's health issues right now. I'm not a doc, but it does sound like panic disorder, or an anxiety disorder.

While she was in the hospital, did she get any psychiatric or psychological consults?

It is hard to help someone relax while they are experiencing these symptoms--her body and mind are telling her that she is in danger, and it's very difficult to overcome that thought process. You could offer calming words, hugs, and tell her that she's not having a heart attack (only if you're sure that is so, and if she's been checked by 3 doctors, I think they would've found it if it was there). The difficulty breathing could come from anxiety, perhaps you could induce her to take deep breaths with you? Sometimes, the deep breathing really calms a person down (it has worked for me numerous times).

I think your cousin needs help, either with a psychiatrist or therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders. That would be my first recommendation.

Also, browse through the forum, and find what others have used to help in these matters; you may find some very useful infomation listed here.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.