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Panic Disorder and brain zaps
I’ve been battling anxiety, overthinking, and panic disorder for 15 years. My anxiety often manifests physically even when I’m not mentally anxious. I feel a pulling sensation in my stomach and have trouble breathing. Panic attacks occur, especially when I’m alone. Close friends’ presence helps me feel stable, but my symptoms worsen when I’m by myself.
Triggers for my anxiety include sudden touches from behind, nighttime silence interrupted by barking dogs, and physical sensations like fast breathing. Watching Facebook videos of fights or heights also frightens me, as does discussing such topics. Clubs and pubs make me anxious due to their sound and ambiance.
I’ve recently been experiencing brain zaps for the past two months, starting around noon daily. They intensify with strong emotions like anger or when I listen to emotionally connected songs. The zaps feel like electric currents and are hard to cope with.
I’m currently on the following medications:
Venlafaxine prolonged-releas
Answers (14)
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Relaxation Techniques
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Kindly consult psychotherapist.
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Dear,
These are signs of anxiety. First of all I appreciate you reaching out and understanding that medicines combined with support or guidance is key here.
These symptoms can be managed by therapy and can increase your wellbeing. As a therapist we work on these feelings and sensations in a safe environment.
It does feel that how will talking to someone help? As you mentioned talking to a friend or a family memeber helps, it is because your mind needs a safe space currently. In therapy you not only get this safe space, but also get to understand the reasons this is happening and what can you do exactly to work on this.
So I suggest you seek therapy with a clinical Psychologist who specialise in this area. Within no time these feelings and sensations will be a thing of the past.
All the best in your journey
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Consult a Clinical Psychologist
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Apprehension for therapy is common, just book the first session and give yourself a chance to heal.
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It seems to be GAD. It needs to be treated in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
Allopathic medicine may not be helpful for a long time. It has lots of side effects.
It can be treated well with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively.
You need an expert psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling Psychologist for the last 17 years. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance
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Panic Disorder and Brain Zaps: Understanding and Managing the Symptoms
Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks can occur unexpectedly and may include symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and an overwhelming sense of dread. Panic disorder can disrupt daily life, making individuals avoid situations or places where they fear an attack may happen. The condition is thought to arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, and it is often linked to a heightened sensitivity to stress and fear.
Brain Zaps, on the other hand, are often described as brief, electrical shock-like sensations in the brain. They can feel like a jolt or a buzzing sensation and are commonly reported by individuals withdrawing from certain medications, such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines. Brain zaps may also occur in people with high levels of stress or anxiety. While they are not physically harmful, they can be distressing and disrupt focus and sleep. The exact cause of brain zaps remains unclear, but they are believed to be linked to sudden changes .......
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Next Steps for Managing Panic Disorder and Brain Zaps
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you experience frequent panic attacks or brain zaps, seek advice from a doctor or therapist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options.
2. Medication Review: If brain zaps occur during medication withdrawal, consult your doctor about tapering off slowly to minimize symptoms.
3. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for panic disorder, helping individuals understand and manage triggers.
Health Tips
Helpful Tips
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety and reduce the intensity of panic attacks.
Maintain a Routine: A consistent sleep and exercise routine can stabilize mood and reduce stress.
Limit Stimulants: Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Mindful Nutrition: A balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium can support brain health.
Track Symptoms: Keeping a journal can help identify triggers and patterns, aiding in better management.
Support Networks: Engage with friends, family, or support groups for encouragement and understanding.
By seeking appropriate help and adopting self-care strategies, individuals can significantly improve their quality of life while managing these conditions.......
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Thank you for sharing your struggles so openlyâit takes a lot of courage to do that.
Living with panic disorder and the physical sensations it brings can feel overwhelming, especially when it has been such a long battle.
The way anxiety manifests in your body, like the pulling sensation in your stomach or the trouble breathing, is common in anxiety disorders, but I understand how distressing it can be.
Itâs great that being around close friends helps you feel stable.
This suggests that a sense of safety and connection significantly impacts your well-being.
It might be worth exploring ways to create similar feelings of safety when youâre alone.
For instance, grounding techniques, soothing music, or even using positive voice recordings of loved ones could be helpful.
The triggers youâve identified, such as sudden noises or certain videos, suggest that your nervous system might be in a heightened state of alertness.
Therapy can help desensitize you to these triggers over time.
Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or trauma-focused approaches could be effective.
The âbrain zapsâ you mentioned, especially when linked to emotions or music, could be related to your medication or prolonged anxiety.
While Venlafaxine is a common treatment for anxiety and panic disorders, itâs important to discuss these sensations with your psychiatrist.
They may need to review your dosage or consider alternative options.
In the meantime, I recommend focusing on practices that calm your nervous system.
Breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness can help reduce overall sensitivity to triggers.
Please remember, that you donât have to navigate this journey alone.
Seeking support from a mental health professional can offer personalized guidance and make a significant difference.
Take care, and wishing you strength on this journey.
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Honestly
Its treatable
Right medicine followed by right therapeutic approach
Will help you immensely
these are different symptoms of the same disorder that is anxiety, so it is very necessary to understand why is it happening or when it started? What is the root cause of it and address that if the root cause is not properly addressed, if you’re not taught how you can think about your thoughts, alternatively or how you can interpret your sensations, alternatively, it will obviously hamper the quality of your life, so it’s always best to seek the right treatment. If you’re not finding relief on this medication. Take a second opinion from a psychiatrist and you can reach out to me for counselling and therapy. It is treatable, so just seek the right help all the best.
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First of all, I truly understand how overwhelming and isolating anxiety and panic disorders can be, especially when the physical symptoms intensify. Itâs important to acknowledge your courage in sharing these struggles. Your symptoms, such as physical sensations, panic attacks, and heightened anxiety in certain environments, are all valid and require a comprehensive approach to healing.
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I suggest starting with a thorough review of your current treatment plan with your doctor, especially since the brain zaps and intensity of emotions might indicate the need for adjustments or further support. We can work together on addressing the root causes of your anxiety and panic, building healthy coping mechanisms, and providing emotional support through both counseling and practical tools.
Health Tips
Breathing exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to counteract the panic attacks and physical sensations. Try focusing on slow, controlled inhales and exhales to calm your nervous system. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can be extremely beneficial for breaking the cycle of negative thinking and overthinking. It can help in reducing triggers and improving your emotional responses. Gradual exposure: Gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations, such as social settings or triggers like the barking dogs, can help you build resilience and control over time. You donât have to go through this alone. We are here to help you find peace and control. Feel free to reach out to discuss further options for counseling and coping strategies.
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Hi,
It sounds like you've been navigating a complex and challenging journey with anxiety and panic disorder for quite some time. The physical manifestations of your anxiety, such as the pulling sensation in your stomach and breathing difficulties, can be particularly distressing, especially when they're not directly tied to a conscious emotional state. It's understandable that you find solace in the presence of close friends, as social support can be a vital buffer against anxiety. Your triggers, including sudden touches, nighttime disturbances, and specific scenarios like crowded venues, indicate a heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, which is common in individuals with anxiety disorders.
The brain zaps you're experiencing could be related to your medication but It's important to discuss these symptoms with your Psychiatrist, as they may need to assess your current treatment plan to ensure it's effectively addressing your symptoms without introducing new challenges. Additionally, exploring therapeutic options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices might provide you with tools to manage your anxiety more effectively. Remember, you're not alone in this, and seeking help to find strategies that work for you can lead to improvement in your quality of life.
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consult
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seek help
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Connect with psychologist to resolve inner conflicts
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consult
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connect
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Hi, Consult a psychologist for counseling sessions.Combination of medication and psychotherapy will help
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Ms. Hema Sampath
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Along with your Psychiatrist treatment and medication, would suggest you to consult a psychological Counselor for a therapy too..
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Ms. Shaifali Badoni
Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Noida
I would want to answer this question from a psychodynamic perspective which includes finding the subconscious conflict within.
As per my experience with panic attacks and other fear there are other underlying emotions which if resolved fast and provide lind term relief and heal from the root.
Eg. There are chances that you have been feeling stuck in your life for a long time ...unable to decide clearly or find clarity which can also manifest in this form
Other kinds of fears or insecurities related to oneself can also generate fear from neutral objects
A detailed understanding of an individual can help solve it at the core and help to untangle the thoughts and provide a vent to unexpressed part
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Take a closer look at the subconscious/unconscious part
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Mr. Prem Kumar
Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Hi Dear,
Connect with psycholgist to discuss to find the suitable action points and therapy.
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Consult
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