Hi. Am I developing a panic disorder / claustorophobia??

[GS]

Hi. Just after some advice.
I'd had a Restless Leg Syndrome for years and this has worsened to the point that about twice per week I am awakened during the night and need to get out of bed to stretch my legs. Normally I can return to sleep pretty easily so I guess I can't complain too much. I was prescribed medication, though a few times I awoke with really low blood pressure so I rarely take it now.
Just recently I seem to be developing claustrophobia/ panic attacks. One year ago a dentist was measuring me up for a dental splint. I've had plenty of dental work in the past without any panic problems. This time, he left the mold in for what seemed like ages, and with my mouth filled (and a slightly blocked nose) I was having trouble breathing. A panic set in and when he finally removed the mold I refused to continue and had to leave.
Then last week I was in an elevator alone (I've never had a problem with lifts before) when the lift became stuck. I felt a surge of panic and began to pace around the elevator, feeling an overwhelming sense of panic. The relief was palpable when, after I rang the emergency button, the hotel staff had the lift moving and open within perhaps 2 minutes. Flying home yesterday, when the plane landed and all the passengers had stood up awaiting the flight crew to open the exist door, I again felt this surge of panic, albeit slight, as we stood waiting in the crowded plane for perhaps 10 minutes. I managed to control it quickly, though was surprised by this new trend (again I've flown many times).
As I try to make sense of this apparently new situation, I guess I can recall always hating the idea of being trapped in a small underground tunnel (like an escaping criminal in a movie). Guess I've just never thought it to be much of a problem before, or even considered it claustrophobia.
Not really complaining, just a little surprised / confused by it all- am I developing a phobia / anxiety, or have I always had a sub-clinical version?
Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers

[Croix]

Dear GS~

Thanks for you post. It's a good move as there are a large number here who have suffered from various ailments and want to help and pass on their experiences.

First off I'll leave the RLS to one side as, while I am not a health professional, I understand it is not normally caused by a mental illness. You doctor may take a different view.

This leaves the feelings of panic and being trapped or enclosed, which appear perhaps an exaggerated reaction to uncomfortable events. I've felt trapped by a dental mechanic filling my mouth with goop, however did not stop the procedure as a result. The other incidents you mention are the same, a perhaps more than normal set of feelings.

Well, I guess if it was me I'd have the whole matter investigated before things had a chance to get worse. While I'm not saying that you will experience an upturn in these attacks it is possible and the earlier you take action the easier treatment will be. My own problems were made much worse by 'soldiering on' alone.

I'd go to my GP and set the whole matter out in detail, perhaps book a long appointment and if you think it would help write everything down first and then share the paper. Ask specifically to be diagnosed. It sounds, from what you say that your whole medication regime should be reviewed anyway if you have difficulty with taking your meds.

Have a think before you go about circumstances, what happened, how you reacted, was anything else on your mind or did you have other stress causing problems around the time, did medications vary, and so on.

The good news is that matters treated early normally respond well. If you have a partner or family I'd suggest explaining what was happening. This can prevent their worry and also provide you with support during incidents.

There is a great deal of information on this site dealing with anxiety, including phobias and panic attacks. These can be found via The Facts drop down menu, have a read.

Please feel free to post as often as you'd wish, there will always be a warm understanding response.

My best wishes

Croix

[BballJ]

Hi GS,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

It certainly does come across as a phobia and my understanding is you can develop phobias at any time in life. Although I am no where near a health professional. I have those feelings too however mine stem from my asthma. If I don't carry an asthma pump with me where I go, I go into a panic and all of a sudden struggle to breath due to the anxiety/panic feelings. it is something I would address with you GP as soon as you as Croix said as well as you do not want it to develop further and further if it is a phobia and you can learn ways to deal with it etc.

My best for you,

Jay

[GS]

Thanks a lot Croix and BBallJ- I appreciate your replies