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Mental Health Questions

Distinguishing Between Psychiatric, Neurological, and Endocrine Issues

I am a 16-year-old female, measuring 175 cm tall and weighing 68 kg. Recently, I have experienced an abrupt onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), alongside headaches, visual disturbances, academic struggles, thyroid problems, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, and tinnitus. To elaborate, approximately one year ago, I suddenly confronted severe OCD. It began with a distressing intrusive thought centered around harm, and ever since, it has worsened. Along with this, I have had occasional headaches and bouts of tinnitus, alongside peculiar vision disruptions. These visual anomalies don’t resemble typical floaters; instead, they manifest as vibrant, transparent spots. My ability to concentrate in school has significantly diminished, making comprehension difficult. In January, a blood test showed that my serum C levels were measurable but not notably high. My B12 level was around 1500, despite not taking supplements, and other results—including globulin and a protein beginning with an 'A'—were high normal, while total protein levels were also at upper normal limits. The TSH level was elevated, and free T4 was at low normal. My white blood cell (WBC) count was also elevated, but I was informed that my intrusive thoughts were primarily attributable to OCD. Fast forward to seven months later, I am experiencing mental sluggishness, brain fog, and memory problems. During a follow-up with the doctor, my TSH was again high, and I received a diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism. However, I haven't responded to levothyroxine treatment. A repeat blood test showed normal prolactin, yet my WBC continued to rise since February, TSH levels increased further, and total protein remained elevated. Antibodies for TPO returned negative. Now, I frequently experience headaches and visual disturbances. There is a family history of autoimmune conditions; my father has sarcoidosis, while my mother suffers from Hashimoto's disease. I typically have a strong immune system and rarely fall ill. Some individuals have suggested the possibility of PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) as a consideration, but it’s worth noting that I have not experienced any seizures in the past year since the onset of these symptoms.

ADHDOCDPsychiatry
Male • 25-34
8 minutes ago

Seeking Guidance Amidst Health Crisis

At 23 years old, I find myself in dire need of direction for support regarding my health struggles. Since early November, I've been grappling with alarming symptoms. To provide some background, I live with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, erosive bone disease, and various autoimmune issues. Currently, I am undergoing tests for potential bleeding disorders, porphyria, and myeloproliferative neoplasms due to frequent instances of rectal, gynecological, and urinary bleeding. The pain in my abdomen and bones has also been debilitating. My situation escalated in November when I experienced intense abdominal pain coupled with significant rectal bleeding, prompting a visit to the emergency room following my primary care physician’s recommendation. While I did receive pain management, I was ultimately discharged without a clear resolution. Shortly after, I contracted a salmonella infection that led to multiple return trips to the ER, as the initial antibiotics failed to relieve my severe pain. Unfortunately, my health has continued to decline; just last week, I encountered another episode of unmanageable rectal bleeding, which caused me to faint and sustain a head injury at home. My heart rate spiked significantly during this ordeal. Despite returning to the hospital again on the advice of my PCP, I wasn't met with compassion or understanding, but rather suspicion, with staff implying that I was seeking drugs and questioning the legitimacy of my bleeding. Although my complete blood count was stable, I have a condition that typically results in elevated red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels, even on the better days. Hence, during episodes of bleeding, my levels do not decrease significantly enough to raise immediate alarms. Now, my symptoms are intensifying; I’m enduring agonizing pain rated at 10 out of 10, dealing with mucus-filled bloody diarrhea, and even darker urine. Last night, I fainted again at home and have been unable to keep any food or liquids down due to persistent vomiting. This situation has left me utterly terrified as I hesitate to seek help from the emergency room again, fearing I will be met with the same accusations of drug-seeking behavior. Although I recognize my frequent ER visits (about seven times in the past six weeks) may appear excessive, my health concerns have been genuine and my condition is deteriorating. I would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation!

AnxietyDepressionStress
Male • 25-34
18 minutes ago

Seeking Help for My Disturbing Thoughts

F14. I'm uncertain about the best way to express what I'm feeling, but I will do my best. I've been experiencing intense impulses to inflict harm, primarily on others. I find myself having violent fantasies about attacking, or even killing, individuals close to me or those who irritate me. Things have escalated to the point where I've harmed small animals; it's an action I deeply regret. However, what troubles me the most is that, oddly enough, I felt a sense of satisfaction during these moments. It’s difficult to articulate, but there's almost a bizarre sense of joy in observing their struggle or demise. I’m reaching out for guidance—what steps should I take, and what might be underlying these feelings?

AddictionAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
1 hour ago

Navigating Health Anxiety: Should I Seek Further Testing?

This explanation might be a bit lengthy, but I appreciate your consideration. I’m a 32-year-old individual with no major health issues in my history, however, my family has a medical background. My mother is a type 2 diabetic, and my father faced hypertension and underwent angioplasty approximately two decades ago. Recently, for the last three to four months, I've been experiencing episodes where I wake up suddenly at night with my heart pounding. The first few instances were quite alarming, as they were unfamiliar to me; there was even an occurrence during the daytime. These experiences have made me excessively attentive to any fluctuations in my heart rate. I began to habitually monitor my pulse, constantly trying to determine if my heart was beating too quickly or if everything was stable. Even the slightest twinge in my chest would provoke anxiety about my heart's well-being, resulting in heightened sensitivity towards any heart-related sensations. As time has passed, I’ve started to cope more effectively during these episodes. I remind myself that this feeling will eventually subside, take a few deep breaths while lying down, and gradually my heart rate stabilizes. To date, I haven’t experienced any additional symptoms during these episodes, such as breathlessness or dizziness. However, I have occasionally felt some discomfort in the area between my stomach and diaphragm, which leads me to ponder whether my symptoms might stem from some unhealthy lifestyle choices, particularly concerning my sleep routine and meal timing, potentially disrupting my circadian rhythm. Here’s my reasoning: I’ve been averaging around six hours of sleep each night for the past three years. I often find myself ruminating over various aspects of my life, contributing to mild anxiety (though it hasn't become severe). I usually eat dinner around 10 PM, head to bed by 1:30 or 2 AM, and tend to browse social media before I fall asleep. Sometimes I notice that I snore, which raises concerns that I could have some kind of breathing obstruction leading to my nocturnal episodes of waking up with an accelerated heart rate. However, I can’t definitively say whether I’ve always snored or if I’ve had similar experiences of waking up without being particularly aware of them. Additionally, I’ve noted that four out of ten times, I awaken with a racing heart while having some sort of dream, although I can’t classify them as nightmares. Earlier this year, I underwent blood tests three times, and the most recent results showed normal levels for hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and other relevant markers. The sole area of concern was my high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level, which registered at 4.56, indicating an elevated state since anything over 3 is marked as high. I consulted with a cardiologist regarding my findings, yet I felt that my specific situation wasn’t fully appreciated. He prescribed beta blockers for anxiety and hypertension, but I suspect this recommendation stemmed more from my office blood pressure reading of 149/88 and a heart rate of 117. I believe these measurements were possibly skewed by my anxiety during the consultation, and don’t truly reflect my regular status. Additionally, the nurse who recorded my blood pressure didn’t seem to account for my posture, and she took the reading three distinct times. The cardiologist did comment that my circadian rhythm might be disrupted due to my irregular sleep and dinner patterns. I opted not to pursue the prescribed medication and instead reached out for a second viewpoint from a knowledgeable family member who specializes in pathology. He advised against starting blood pressure medication considering my blood pressure isn’t elevated. He suggested a very mild dose of amitriptyline if absolutely necessary, but strictly as a last resort. This entire ordeal has intensified my health anxiety, leading to a fear of being alone in public. Whenever I notice a twitch or an unexplained ache in my chest, my mind immediately jumps to worst-case scenarios related to my heart. I frequently hesitate to engage in brisk walks or home weight lifting, concerned that it might trigger a heart attack. Any insights or advice from those who have faced similar challenges would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who read this lengthy account and is willing to offer their support and recommendations.

PTSDAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
2 hours ago

Should I discontinue Mirtazapine due to a rapid heartbeat?

Two weeks ago, my physician prescribed me 15mg of Mirtazapine, which has significantly improved my insomnia. However, I’ve observed a concerning increase in my heart rate, which has risen approximately 20 beats per minute. My current resting heart rate fluctuates between 88 and 95 bpm, whereas it used to be considerably lower. I’m questioning if I should cease the use of this medication. Might the beta blocker I’m on have become ineffective? I have a condition known as inappropriate sinus tachycardia, which I manage effectively with bisoprolol at a dose of 2.5mg. Is this heart rate elevation a typical reaction to Mirtazapine? I’m a 33-year-old female.

InsomniaPsychiatryPsychology
Male • 25-34
2 hours ago

Struggles with a Prolapsed Disc and Numbness

At 20 years old, I've found myself facing a significant health challenge with a prolapsed disc in my lower back (specifically, L5 S1). This issue arose back in January, but it took an agonizing six months before a doctor authorized a CT scan and MRI, which were finally conducted in July. Since that point, my life has undergone a dramatic shift. I'm experiencing a gradual loss of sensation, accompanied by a tingling and numbness in my ring and pinky fingers. Additionally, I often feel a prickly or pins-and-needles sensation in my legs and feet, and persistent muscle spasms have become commonplace. I truly feel at a loss. Despite consulting multiple doctors who all claim everything is fine, I personally feel anything but okay. It’s as if my condition is deteriorating steadily, yet medical professionals are reluctant to provide me with any pain relief or treatment options beyond physiotherapy. Struggling with pre-existing mental health issues, the ongoing physical discomfort is exacerbating my situation. I find myself searching for guidance and support because I’m at a point where I feel powerless to improve my own circumstances. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated, as I am desperate for some direction on how to navigate this difficult time.

InsomniaAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
2 hours ago

Elevated Heart Rate During Cardio Efforts

I'm becoming quite anxious about my current situation. I find myself on a journey towards better health and fitness, having been diligent about hitting the gym for nearly a month now. During my most recent cardio session on the elliptical, I felt an uplift in my motivation and decided to really challenge myself. My goal was to complete a mile in under twelve minutes, and I successfully achieved that! However, I noticed my heart rate remained consistently between 195 to 200 beats per minute, ultimately peaking at 207 during my maximum exertion in the final minute. For further context, I am a 21-year-old woman, weighing 240 pounds and standing at 5 feet tall. I’m taking 30 mg of phentermine to manage my appetite due to my struggle with binge eating disorder, alongside a 40 mg dose of fluoxetine for anxiety management. After I completed the mile, I took a moment to pause on the elliptical to catch my breath. Surprisingly, within roughly two minutes, my heart rate dropped to 137. Is everything alright? I often grapple with health-related anxiety, and all I aim for is to improve my wellbeing.

AddictionAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
5 hours ago

Experiencing Chest Discomfort and Anxiety Attacks

Greetings, I’m a 16-year-old male, and just two days prior, I encountered my very first anxiety attack while riding a bus. In that instant, nothing appeared to trigger it, and I didn’t experience any fear until the overwhelming sensation struck me, making me feel as if I was on the verge of death. The attack left me feeling dizzy, fostering an intense worry that I might faint and die right then and there. Following that episode, my heart raced throughout the day, and I began experiencing intermittent chest pains that seemed to originate from my heart. Initially, these were sharp twinges accompanying each heartbeat (though they were not continuous), but then yesterday, I suffered another unexpected panic attack while at work. This episode also caught me off guard and diminished my appetite, while the chest discomfort transitioned from sharp pains to a sensation of tightness or squeezing. I shared my concerns with my parents, but my mother dismissed my feelings, labeling me as a hypochondriac. She suggested I wait until Monday to assess my condition and then make an appointment with the general practitioner. However, I’m aware that the NHS in my area has long waiting times, potentially taking months before I could see someone. Since these two anxiety attacks, I’ve felt mentally exhausted. Each wave of pain brings me to the brink of tears, not due to unbearable agony, but rather from the fear that something could be seriously wrong with my health. As the day progresses, I sense my energy waning, largely due to my diminished appetite, stemming from the discomfort and accompanying nausea. Moreover, I’ve experienced periods of difficulty breathing, which arise unexpectedly, leaving me gasping for breath and struggling to take deep inhalations. What are my next steps?

Panic AttacksAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
6 hours ago

Experiencing Dizziness and Rapid Heartbeat on Treadmill — Normal Heart Tests, Yet Anxious. What Could Be the Reason?

Greetings everyone, I'm a 32-year-old male. After consistently hitting the gym for a month, I encountered an alarming event on day 30. During my treadmill workout, I jogged for about five minutes before transitioning to a walk. Out of nowhere, I felt a surge in my heart rate, a wave of dizziness washed over me, and I almost lost consciousness. I managed to find a seat to compose myself. Subsequently, I visited the emergency room where they conducted an ECG and checked my Troponin levels along with other blood tests. All results were within normal ranges, apart from a minor increase in Troponin. This prompted the doctors to recommend an angiogram, which thankfully revealed no issues. After the procedure, I was sent home. However, merely four days later, I faced a similar episode that involved dizziness and an accelerating heartbeat. I returned to my doctor, who explained that symptoms like these might occur due to blood vessel constriction triggered by cold exposure or stress. He provided me with some medication. It's now been ten days, and I feel physically well, but I'm grappling with persistent anxiety, fear, and a low mood stemming from that frightening experience. Has anyone else gone through a comparable situation? I am eager to understand: • How can such experiences occur despite the majority of health assessments appearing normal? • Could factors like anxiety or intense exertion contribute to these symptoms? • What actions should I consider moving forward in terms of exercise, lifestyle changes, mental health strategies, and follow-up medical visits?

AnxietyDepressionStress
Male • 25-34
9 hours ago

Itchy and Swollen Eyelids After Wine Consumption

As the title suggests, I’ve been experiencing a troubling issue this year (I’m 33). There are mornings when I wake up with my eyelids severely itchy and swollen. It's important to clarify that the irritation isn’t in my eyes; it’s confined to the skin around the lower and upper eyelids. This discomfort, along with the redness, persists for several days, leaving my skin dry and flaky. Interestingly, I’ve started noticing a potential link between these episodes and nights when I indulge in white wine, particularly after occasions where I might overindulge with friends, leading to a tipsy or drunk state. Despite my ongoing research online, I keep encountering a myriad of perplexing explanations. A visit to my doctor yielded little helpful insight; he seemed uninterested in drawing a connection between my symptoms and wine consumption, instead opting to prescribe antihistamines without a thorough investigation. While it’s disappointing that I might have to give up wine, I’m more intrigued by what could be causing this. Experiencing such symptoms in adulthood is undoubtedly alarming and perplexing. As a side note, I’ve been on medications Effexor and Lamictal to manage my bipolar disorder, which is currently well-controlled and symptom-free. I have no significant medical issues apart from a previous exploratory laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, during which a portion was removed, and I had minimal post-operative complications. My weight falls within the lower end of the normal BMI range, indicating I maintain a healthy weight.

Bipolar DisorderPsychiatryDepression
Male • 25-34
9 hours ago
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