I have a few queries regarding what would seem to be classic symptoms of an anxiety disorder. This condition has only manifested itself since July of this year. I’m a healthy, intelligent, fit and active 36 year old professional. I have had quite a few family bereavement experiences over my childhood years and one this year. I’m a seasoned ‘palpitator’ having experienced bouts of palpitations since my early twenties. I would make the point that these don’t scare me as I’ve had them so many times and know that the heart is well capable of maintaining a high rate for days on end. My heartbeat is always resounding… very vibrant… to the point where it can rock my bed all on its own! My average heart rate at rest is about 56bpm. I avoid coffee and caffeine fuelled fizzy drinks and am a social alcohol drinker, usually one night at the weekends. I would say that I don’t have a particularly stressful job, albiet that it involves dealing with people a lot and giving presentations etc… something that the ‘normal’ me used to be able to do oh so easily and enjoy…I’m a performer and ordinarily relish the podium! I’m very much on top of my job role in terms of capability.

In July, ironically whilst on holiday/vacation, I had a huge palpitations attack (most severe I’ve ever had)… veins were literally jumping out of my neck and I experienced involuntary nervous movements for the remainder of that day.. twitchy eyes etc Since then, I’m experiencing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. I start to fret when in situations that I can’t easily escape from… driving on a motorway, sitting in chapel/church… and the aforementioned presentations bring on palpitations every time, the shakes, the sweats… even though I face such situations with the same casual approach I’ve always done. I’m not a worrier per se… though acceptance and respect is important to me. I’d describe myself as a glass is half full type of person, love life ordinarily, very confident and I always focus on the positive. This condition is still not scaring me at all, but its taking me out of my comfort zone and if I don’t control it, it will affect my professional development and ability to develop relationships. I’m increasingly feeling detached from my existence…and burdened. Medical tests, ECG, bloods, Urine etc have not shown any abnormalities.

I’ve read through various pamplets on anxiety, self help guides recommending muscular flexing of various limbs and parts of the body followed by relaxation, focus on breathing etc all to no avail. I do have better days than others I’d have to say but I so badly want the old (pre-July) me back.

Firstly could I ask what you recommend for such symptoms? Secondly, I’m considering both Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acupuncture… have you any experiences of these forms of treatment and their effectiveness for this condition. I will try anything!

Doctor Joshua’s Answer:

As far as I know EMDR and acupuncture have not been shown effective in the treatment of anxiety. It would be good to get to the bottom of this and I’d recommend a consultation with a psychiatrist, and also multiple sessions with a psychotherapist/psychologist to analyze the psychodynamic aspects might be helpful. First, however, you need a diagnosis. While, based on your description of the symptoms, anxiety disorder is definitely a possibility, a diagnosis needs to be made by a qualified professional before treatment suggestions can be made, because there are always other possible causes for such symptoms. I’m happy that you’ve seen the doctor and had your basic examinations done. Was TSH (thyroid) measured, and a physical neuro exam done?

My recommendation is to talk to your primary care physician and see how he/she feels about referring you to a psychiatrist, or book an appointment directly if you can do that. Please feel free to discuss this further on the forum.