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DOCTOR
Dr. Suresh T. R.
M.D.,D.P.M.,F.I.P.S.,
Psychiatry & Hypnotherapy
http://www.drssureshprabalkumari.com

PATIENT
Thread ID: 4325; Login ID : 6327, Tamil Nadu, India

THREAD TITLE	View Details \| Hide Details
problem of being claustrophobic and vertigo

	Bead No	: P1	From	: Patient
	Sent on	: Aug 22 2005 2:02PM	To	: Dr. Suresh T. R.

Patient's Past Medical History & Current condition :-

I had forwarded the following question earlier and Dr Anitha advised me to reforward the question again to you.

I am enclosing the details of thread ID 4223 which includes my previously answered questionnaire related to my vertigo symptoms also for your reference.
-------------------------------------

I have started developing a peculiar problem of being claustrophobic and vertigo. I previously worked in Indian Air Force and have traveled extensively in Aeroplanes. However during my last posting at a place in Assam, I developed these problems mentioned.
Now and then I egt this effect of as if the world around me is converging or extending and I feel an uncontrollable need to hold onto something and eventually I do hold on to something maybe a chair or table or some pole near me.
Till the time I was in IAF, ie. till June 2004 I have been checked medically every year for all checks till the level of ECG. Always I have been told that I am perfectly alright.
Well if any other details required I would be delighted to give.

Question :-

Thanks and please guide me to the right approach of treatment.

Thanks
ADDED - Attachments

S.No	Title	Size	Options
1	Thread ID 4223	74 KB	View

	Bead No	: D1	From	: Dr. Suresh T. R.
	Sent on	: Aug 22 2005 9:38PM	To	: Patient

Please send your replies to these questions to help me answer your query.
QUESTIONNAIRE - Details

1. How long do these symptoms last? 2. Do you develop other symptoms like palpitations, breathlessness, a sense of impending doom, peculiar sensations in your hands and feet? 3. Are there any special triggers for the attacks? 4. Do the attacks make you fear staying alone or going out by yourself? 5. Is your sleep good? 6. Are you able to concentrate and perform well in your job? 7. How is your mood in general?

	Bead No	: P2	From	: Patient
	Sent on	: Aug 23 2005 6:50PM	To	: Dr. Suresh T. R.

Thanks for the indulgence.

Well those are the answers Dr. Thanks once again and wishing the bets in life to you.

Regards Sunder

QUESTIONNAIRE - Details

Q1	1. How long do these symptoms last? 2. Do you develop other symptoms like palpitations, breathlessness, a sense of impending doom, peculiar sensations in your hands and feet? 3. Are there any special triggers for the attacks? 4. Do the attacks make you fear staying alone or going out by yourself? 5. Is your sleep good? 6. Are you able to concentrate and perform well in your job? 7. How is your mood in general?
Ans :	Thanks for the indulgence. 1. If going in an aeroplane or speeding closed car the symtoms remian the whole duration, otherwise if in a room or other places, it is till the time I get into fresh air and move around (say for 30 minutes) 2. Yes I get a feeling of breathlessness, impending doom and sensations like as if I am loosing balance and immediately I try to hold on to something like chair I am sitting, swallow saliva etc. 3. Nothing I know off. 4. Yes it give me fear of going out alone and staying alone. 5. In my opinion my sleep is good as I have known to sleeping. 6. Yes to a large extent, but minor irritants do remain. Actually I left the Air Force Commissioned Officer job (covetd in Govt sector) mainly because I was jobless (meaning challenging to me) most of the time. 7. My mood is good to a large extent. I am very patient, helpful, cool and I understand from the people around me that I am a good person to be with. Well those are the answers Dr. Thanks once again and wishing the bets in life to you. Regards Sunder

	Bead No	: D2	From	: Dr. Suresh T. R.
	Sent on	: Aug 23 2005 11:05PM	To	: Patient

From the information contained in your original query and replies to my questions, my opinion is that you have a type of ANXIETY DISORDER called PANIC DISORDER. This is a condition wherein attacks occur with palpitations, breathlessness, giddiness, uneasiness, extreme fear, a sense of impending doom, death, going crazy or some such catastophe, etc. The attacks are unpredictable and the person usually feels drained and exhausted after an attack. A fear also develops about the next attack, called ANTICIPATORY ANXIETY. Because of the experience, the person develops fear of going out (AGORAPHOBIA) or staying alone in a confined space(CLAUSTROPHOBIA), and may not be able to function without a companion for reassurance. Thus the condition can be very disabling for the person affected in carrying out his normal life.

The exact cause of the condition is not known, though theories abound, as usual.

Fortunately, the condition is very much treatable. Medical treatment consists of anti-panic drugs which are given to gradually reach a dose sufficient to produce good relief. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy aims to teach the person to identify, understand and modify their responses to the symptoms and learn how to relax, as well as get trained to gradually return to activities and situation avoided due to the disorder.

I would suggest consultation with a PSYCHIATRIST who would be able to assess you and advise appropriate treatment.

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