PCOS, obese, anxiety post episodes of body tremors, weakness. Advice?
Patient: I keep having episodes where I feel rlly weak I shake and feel like I m going to faint. I m a 24yr old woman 15stonne I know I m over weight but the dr tells me its anxiety . I get anxious after these episodes happen but not before. I have been told I have poly cystic ovaries and I was wondering if it was related. I ve been like this now for 17months and its rlly beginning to take over my life. Please can somebody help me. Doctor: Hi and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your question...Sudden bouts of anxiety which come in episodes is most likely to be panic attacks, and you may be suffering from a Panic Disorder. During these panic attacks one can feel shaky, dizzy, have a rapid heart beat, sweating, chocking, feel that there is something bad going to happen to them or even feel like they are going to die. Since these attacks typically come 'out-of-the-blue', you may not be able to predict an attack and hence may not feel anxious just prior to an attack.Usually, the period between these attacks is relatively symptom-free. However, sometimes, people can experience some amount of anxiety after or inbetween these attacks, which is predominantly due to a fear of getting another attack. This is called 'anticipatory anxiety'. This may be the reason why you experience anxiety after such attacks.Regarding your question about the relation to PCOS, more than half the women who have PCOS have obesity. Though there are some reports of anxiety disorders and depression being more common in PCOS, a definite causative link has not been established.All the best.- Dr. Jonas SundarakumarConsultant Psychiatrist