Do I Have Panic Disorder or Another Mental Health Issue?

Do I have panic disorder or another mental illness?

Hello, I have a significant problem that troubles me.
My main symptom is that I cannot sleep during the school lunch break; I experience what is commonly known as sleep paralysis almost every day.
I am fully aware, but I cannot move my body and have to exert a lot of effort to regain movement.
After recovering, my head feels very heavy and dizzy, and sometimes I can't hold back, leading to a second episode of sleep paralysis.
It is exhausting, and I struggle to stay awake in class in the afternoon, often dozing off.
Additionally, even after class, I experience these symptoms during short naps.
Sometimes, I feel like I can't breathe, and I also suddenly feel anxious, breaking out in a cold sweat.
It is very uncomfortable, and I often feel this way; I feel like I'm going crazy.
I've experienced this since childhood, but the frequency has increased significantly now.
It feels like I can't breathe, as if I'm about to die.
Furthermore, I sometimes feel my heart racing, but only for a few seconds, and I clearly feel chest pain in the middle area, though I'm not sure if it's my heart that's hurting; it's very strange.
I asked others, and they said I show symptoms of panic disorder.
So, I would like to ask which specialty I should see for these symptoms, and which hospital is available in Taoyuan?

Vichy, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/27

Dr. Wang Zhenyang reply Psychiatry

"Sleep paralysis," known in Chinese as "鬼壓床," is a type of sleep disorder.
Approximately 30 to 40 percent of people will experience it at least once in their lifetime, making it a common physiological phenomenon that should not be overly feared.
The sleep cycle consists of "rapid eye movement (REM) sleep" and "non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep." During REM sleep, muscle tone throughout the body decreases, leaving only the diaphragm and eyes capable of movement.
If a person wakes up during REM sleep, they may find that only their eyes are aware while the rest of their muscles have not yet regained function, resulting in an inability to move.
Sleep paralysis is more likely to occur under conditions of high stress, extreme fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation, or sleep cycle disturbances such as circadian rhythm disorders.
If sleep paralysis occurs frequently, accompanied by daytime sleepiness or hallucinations, it may indicate narcolepsy, which requires further evaluation and treatment by a psychiatrist.
Symptoms of a panic attack may include: *rapid heartbeat*shortness of breath, feeling as if one cannot get enough air*a headache, dizziness, or nausea*trembling, cold sweats*a sensation of a lump in the throat*chest pain*a burning sensation in the body or face*numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes*fear of losing control or dying.
It is advisable to visit a psychiatric outpatient clinic at a general hospital for a professional assessment.
Wishing you health and happiness!

Reply Date: 2006/07/27

More Info

Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing a range of distressing symptoms that could be indicative of a panic disorder or another anxiety-related condition. The sensations you describe, such as feeling unable to move during episodes that resemble sleep paralysis, experiencing shortness of breath, and having rapid heartbeats, are often associated with anxiety disorders, including panic disorder.
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. Symptoms can include palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, chills, or heat sensations, and a fear of losing control or dying. The fact that you feel a sense of impending doom or fear during these episodes aligns with panic disorder symptoms.

The phenomenon you refer to as "鬼壓床" (commonly known as sleep paralysis) can occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders. During sleep paralysis, individuals may feel awake but unable to move or speak, often accompanied by hallucinations or a feeling of pressure on the chest. This can be particularly distressing and may contribute to feelings of anxiety and panic, especially if these episodes are frequent.

Your experiences of feeling mentally foggy or unable to concentrate after these episodes, along with the fatigue you feel during the day, are also concerning. Chronic sleep disturbances and anxiety can significantly impact cognitive function and overall well-being, leading to difficulties in school or work.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you have panic disorder, another anxiety disorder, or a different mental health issue altogether. They can also help you understand the underlying causes of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

In terms of where to seek help, you mentioned being from Taoyuan. You can look for local mental health clinics, hospitals with psychiatric departments, or community health centers that offer mental health services. It may also be beneficial to ask your primary care physician for a referral to a mental health specialist.
In addition to therapy, which can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, medication may also be an option to help manage anxiety symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques (like mindfulness or deep breathing exercises), can also support your mental health.

Remember, reaching out for help is a vital step in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. You are not alone in this, and with the right support, you can find relief from your distressing symptoms.

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