system
Suggest treatment for GAD and panic disorder
human
Hi I am a 38 year old female and I suffer from GAD and panic disorder. I have an irrational fear of having a heart attack. My dad had one at 60. I am not obese and I have normal/low blood pressure. I don t smoke. Over the last 6 years I have probably had 6-10 ECG s and they have all come back normal. But I feel like I need to have more tests done. I get chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and nausea etc.....
gpt
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubtsI can understand your concern. The irrational fear of having some illness or hypochondriac ideas are the reasons of panic and severe anxiety you're having. You are 38 years old female and it is not common to have heart attack at this age especially in females. Your all ECGs came normal so remain relaxed and assured that you are safe.Thinking about getting some serious illness again and again causes anxiety and panic. Try to keep yourself busy to come out of anxiety and panic attacks. Relaxation exercises help to reduce the anxiety and panic will decrease. Breathing exercises also helps to reduce the symptoms. If relaxation exercises don't result in improvement then medicinal treatment will be needed. SSRIs are commonly used drugs for anxiety symptoms. Drugs like Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline etc are SSRI drugs and help to reduce the intrusive thoughts and will also reduce the panic attacks. Sertraline is even safe in heart conditions.Please visit a psychiatrist for evaluation and if needed start taking treatment.Thanks Take care