Friend's Health Problem (Please Help)

[knightwizard]

Ok guys I really need some advice here. One of my closest friends is having anxiety/panic attacks (which I assume that’s what they are, unless there is another name for what’s going on.) He tries to explain to me how he feels but he can’t seem to describe exactly what is happing to him. The only thing he can tell me is when the attack comes on he feels fear taking over his body and can’t control it. Before anyone asks yes he has been to his doctor which she is a huge DUMB ASS. She told him to take certain pills to help with the attacks and then on the next visit he tells her about the pills and she states she never told him to take those pills. I was there both times with him when she said this. I don’t know if anyone has any info on this or what causes it or how to stop it, but I have seen him when he has an attack and he freaks out. This is a guy that had nothing wrong with him. He was in good health and then all of sudden boom the attacks just appear out of no where and have totally messed up his life. He really doesn’t go out like he used to and stopped doing a lot of other things that everyday people do. I even think he’s having issues eating. Please if someone has any info on this matter, please post and let me know.
I really want to help him, because I don’t think his family is taking his illness seriously. They think it’s all in his mind. If you need more info I can try to explain and see where we go from there. Thanks.

 

[racer2438]

Go to the ER or go to a different doctor ASAP.

You need 2nd opinion and medical testing to see what may be happening to him, but agin do this ASAP

 

[Tommy2Tone]

He needs to see another doctor asap.

 

[hyperion]

Go to the ER or go to a different doctor ASAP.

You need 2nd opinion and medical testing to see what may be happening to him, but agin do this ASAP

I agree. Completely. Does sound like he has a psych problem (possibly an organic psych problem). But, if there is a chance that he could place himself (or others) in danger, go to an ER and explain what is happening. ER docs are usually good at dealing with situations like this. It might not be the best way to go, but he’ll at least get a psych consult sooner rather than latter.

 

[onetwothreefour]

It could be a medical problem. He should see another doctor for whatever testing is appropriate given his symptoms.

It very well could be anxiety though given that in my experience anxiety can present in many indescribable vague forms and can mimic quite a few other symptoms.

Whether it's anxiety or not you can reassure him that he has survived it so far, and he is actively searching to figure out what it is, so he is in as good of shape as he can be.

You're a good friend for going with him. Let us know what they find out.

 

[evanrick]

you are describing panic disorder. its extremely debilitating to the person experiencing it, so he is lucky to have someone like you there.

he also probably become agoraphobic because of them, out of fear the anxiety will worsen if he isn't somewhere safe like at home.

eating issues is from lack of motivation, so he may have depression as well, since they usually occur together.

i would be interested to know what pills this doctor said to take, if they are prescription or not, etc. and what your friend said about these pills to make the doctor say something like that.

your friend is at higher risk for suicide, and anxiety pills are addictive. if it were me i would only take what is necessary as far as medications go, since a higher dose may create dependence and withdrawal.

if his anxiety is really bad he probably isnt sleeping well either, i think its really important he try and keep a regular sleep schedule. you have to address this kind of thing from every direction, but not so much to create more stress for him.

getting to the core of what is causing his anxiety may help, but i really don't know. I think anxiety is caused by a deficit between perceived danger and actual danger. these perceptions can grow stronger over time and eventually create a state of constant fear about everything where you don't want to go outside. you become hyper vigilant, your body is always pulsing with adrenaline and stress hormones. over time that will weaken the immune system and make a bad thing worse.

i really hope your friend gets the help he needs, since it seems his family is in denial.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_disorder

 

[knightwizard]

Thanks everyone for the help. We are going to see another doctor very soon. We talked to another friend and she knew that something was going on, but she wants to help as well. Which is good. My friend knows that something is wrong and he wants to get help as soon as he can. I'm hoping that this new doctor will actually be good and have some answers for him and us.