does MS also present with Panic attacks?

[jackiesj]

I recently due to meds or what ever wondered to myself which came first....ive talked with docs and am wondering if anyone else has some of those issues with MS. being neurological and pain etc i do not remember pre MS problems like this. ty for openess.

[starlight5]

I believe panic attacks, anxiety, were among some of the first ms symptoms I had. I just didn't know it at the time

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

I used to have Panic attacks so severe that I had my heart tested. In all honesty, I think part of the cause was insecurity about my marriage (mostly because of prior health issues). Had to retire at 50 yrs old because of very aggressive Osteoarthritis. I felt I was going down hill fast, & hubby had was running 60-70 miles a week. It all worked out, I started bicycling & worked up to 200-300 miles a week. Then MS hit me about 6 yrs ago. If I do feel an anxiety attack starting, I chew 1 aspirin, wash it down with water & calm myself. All better now😀Happily married almost 33 yrs!

[NorasMom]

I had them around age 20-22, but I've always chalked it up to the fact that my MS was undiagnosed at the time. No one believed that there was anything wrong with me, and the doctors just kept saying that tranquilizers would solve all my problems.

I've seen a lot of posts from people with MS who also have panic attacks, so I'd say it's most likely a common symptom, even if it's not recognized by doctors.

[Sandydemop]

Hi jackiesj I can't speak to panic attacks but i know depression has been found in at least 50% of people with MS. Anxiety or agitation can be a symptom of depression. Please see your doc/nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry. I don't know your situation. Sometimes meds are called for but i think of them as a last resort. there are lots of natural ways to handle it. Please look into this. Wishing you well.

[hairbrain4]

I never had panic attacks but I have fought depression for many years.

[BlanketTime1]

i think the panic attacks are either: a result of brain lesions that may or may not show up on mri's or your response to having ms. either way you might want to see a shrink. i did a few years back when my neuro decided to do the whole "i don't know what's wrong with you, but you have a uterus so let's blame that" thing. i was glad i went. she told me my symptoms had nothing to do with psychosomatosis. so when i saw my new neuro, i told him to chat with her if he needed to, lol.

panic attacks sound horrendous to me from how others describe them. even watching shows with them in looks horrible, so if nothing else, a shrink could help with meds and or strategies to cope, no matter their origin.

[MsBoo]

I don't remember panic attacks or any other anxiety.. so I would say that in my case, I would say no correlation.

[pamgarner]

had anxiety and panic for years starting in my twentys almost angoriphobic, then as quickly as it came it left overnight 8 years later, i do i was beginning ms

[DM0329]

It seems like the "anxiety disorders" are somewhat genetic as my late father had a lot of anxiety too (also a "functional" alcoholic. . .my former therapist said many folks who struggle with alcohol have anxiety too)

BUT I know when I started on Avonex (way back in 1997) my anxiety went through the roof, too!

So, it seems there's something to this "genetic" pre-disposition too. Best of luck to you!

🙂🙏👍

[kdali]

I had anxiety since childhood, but only one panic attack. I think the meds or the disease have caused issues with mental health for many people.

[Cutefreckles72]

Hi, My MS started with spasticity and tingling in both of my calves and toes. I was in so much pain I could not walk. I didn't have panic attacks. It was just stiffness and tightness in both legs. I developed depression after I realized I could move.