Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Panic attacks

December 4, 2010 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Juliane Theben

Good evening,

I would like to tell you about the situation I have been experiencing for about a month now. There is an unbearable problem at work that occurs daily. Since then, I have been suffering from panic attacks with palpitations, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and I have already lost a significant amount of weight (6 kg). I can barely sleep anymore and I am internally very nervous. I am afraid of having a nervous breakdown or falling back into anorexia, which I used to have in the past. I am afraid to eat, weigh myself multiple times a day, and feel sick when I do eat. I am currently not eating more than 600 calories a day for the past 3 weeks. I can tell that I am not myself anymore, and I am occasionally feeling depressed and unable to relax. My general practitioner is aware of my situation and prescribed me Sertraline 50mg, one tablet in the evening for a month. He also prescribed me Diazepam 5mg, which I stopped taking after a few days due to side effects. The Sertraline is making me tired all day long. He did not give me a sick note; he said that I will surely feel better soon, but I have not noticed any improvement yet.

I am also feeling cold, dizzy, have a pale face, muscle pain, occasional stomach pain, and back pain. Could these be symptoms of deficiencies due to the eating disorder? Which doctor should I see? A psychiatrist? Thank you for your response.

Juliane Theben

Dear Inquirer,

As you describe your situation, it seems like you are experiencing an acute stress reaction (in the form of palpitations, vomiting, nausea, etc.). You are describing an unbearable problem at work in combination with a known anorexia. Your description sounds to me like you are stuck in a "vicious circle" from which you cannot find a way out on your own, and the situation is getting worse and worse. Therefore, I strongly advise you to see a psychotherapist or psychologist. These professionals can help you question the specific problem at work, develop solution strategies, and unravel the mix of "work stress" and "anorexia background" together with you.

I want to encourage you to have the courage to seek help from a therapist!!! Psychiatric illnesses or acute stress reactions in life are diseases of the soul that have the same importance as a broken leg or a physical illness. You should not feel ashamed in any way, but rather be proud that you have realized that things cannot continue like this and that you do not want to slip back into another episode of anorexia!!!! You are much further along than many other patients with a similar story!!!!

I wish you success in developing solution strategies - may you see a shining light at the "end of the tunnel" this Christmas!!

Best regards,

J. Theben