GAD Associated Symptoms: Witchy Twitchy's Insight

[PrincessCinnamon]

"Witchy Twitchy" has made a good point in her latest post in the Support Group Forum.

I'd also like to quote from a tool I use daily in my profession. For Generalized Anxiety Disorder, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) for Mental Disorders says, "Associated with muscle tension, there may be trembling, twitching, feeling shaky, and muscle aches or soreness. Many individuals with GAD also experience somatic symptoms (e.g., cold clammy hands, dry mouth, sweating......trouble swallowing or lump in the throat...." Also listed is "easily fatigued."

Another interesting tid bit, is that the DSM also lists "paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)" under panic attacks. I think it's safe to say I have been in panic mode thinking about ** and ***.

This is not to say that BFS cannot be seperate from GAD or Panic, but I do think that our minds can exacerbate things. At times it may be BFS only, at times GAD or Panic only, and at others it can be both.

Sue

 

[PrincessCinnamon]

Jenn and Amy,
Actually I think we're all in agreement. It doesn't seem as though you two read my last sentence in my post. Or, perhaps it wasn't clear.
Sue

 

[eyennyGlimmer]

Sue,

No I know you were saying the same thing sweetie..I was just putting in my two cents too.. Big hugss..Jenn

 

[OPHIAzkatieSOPH]

I hate to be in disagreement with anyone- because I am no expert on anything. However, BFS is related to anxiety- otherwise, we wouldn't be here, worrying about whether or not we have something terrible. I have said before that there are people I know who get a lot of twitches in their legs and arms, but think nothing of it- but it seems that all those who have this have some form of anxiety- may not be health related, but take my husband for instance. He is anxious about everything except his health, and a workaholic. He may not worry about his twitches like I do, but he definitely has an anxious personality. I think it is safe to say that there is a fair amount of anxiety that accompanies this ailment. Maybe people do not recognize the times they are stressed, such as a time of a move or a new job, but their body reacts. I also believe that this is a chemical reaction, and I have no proof to back this up- but I think it is an over production of something, or underproduction of something. Whatever the chemical- it causes anxiety. There are too many people on this site that have constant anxiety symptoms- throat tightness, headaches, dizziness, tingling etc, to say that this is not somehow related to the amount of anxiety and stress our body is dealing with. Adreniline can make the muscles do many things- and what is the flight-fight response? Adreniline. But as I said- in no way an expert over here, just a sufferer!

 

[eyennyGlimmer]

A BFS twitch and symptoms are alot different then someone who just has some regular ole anxiety twitches from everyday life. BFS is PHN not anxiety....

You made a comment : However, BFS is related to anxiety- otherwise, we wouldn't be here, worrying about whether or not we have something terrible.

Anxiety can make BFS worse, and I think the reason we are here is to support each other with this illness and the reason we have anxiety and talk about it on this board is because of the BFS symptoms that gives us the anxiety and that is what makes us think we have something terrible, not the anxiety but the symptoms do....and that then produces anxiety....


You also mention:There are too many people on this site that have constant anxiety symptoms- throat tightness, headaches, dizziness, tingling etc, to say that this is not somehow related to the amount of anxiety and stress our body is dealing with. Of course, they can have both, anxiety and an illness..I just believe the illness comes first...Jenn