Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Psychiatry
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
A week ago today, I suddenly experienced severe dizziness and some ringing in my ear, which a doctor diagnosed as labyrinthitis. On day two of this, completely out of the blue, I experienced a huge anxiety attack, derealization, terror, and a pit in my stomach or chest, extreme generalized anxiety and insomnia, depersonalization, not feeling myself, feeling panicky and teary. This subsides suddenly for several hours and then begins again. This has remained with me ever since in a severely debilitating form. I also had three nights of complete insomnia and had to take some Diazepam to sleep. To emphasize, this is totally out of the blue. I am in a pleased and low-stress phase of my life. Family and work are all going brilliantly, and a week ago today, I was a very happy man. Ten years ago, I had clinical depression and severe anxiety, which fully cleared up, and I have not had a repeat since. However, this was due to a break-up and life situation. Is it possible an infection (labyrinthitis or sinusitis) can cause a sudden bought of anxiety? Are there any other things I should rule out? Should I undertake any test? As mentioned, I went from super happy to distraught in 24 hours, seemingly for no reason. Kindly help me.
Hi doctor,
I can understand your situation. you have a history of depression, and you just need any triggering factor for relapse. So infection plays a triggering factor for your anxiety, and now you have a relapse. You do not need to rule out anything, and you should do blood reports such as vitamin-B12 and thyroid profile. There is non-pharmacological management for it. It would help if you tried to follow the below guidelines to deal with it:
1) You should exercise daily for 30 to 45 minutes, like at least going for a walk.
2) You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily. Just sit in one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to control your thoughts. Just let it be.
3) You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, avoid junk foods.
4) You must drink enough water.
5) You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you live away from your family.
6) You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
7) You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
8) You must avoid tobacco or alcohol or any substance abuse.
9) Live your life, do not just spend it.
10) Be bold and confident.
I hope that this was helpful. Please get back if you have further queries.
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Psychiatry
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