Is this an anxiety symptom or something worse?

I don't even know how to explain this I've been scouring the internet and different forums and can't find anything remotely like this. Let's see if I can explain it correctly...

Ever since I was a kid this wierd thing would happen to me out of nowhere (or at least I couldn't find a pattern). Basically, life would be going as normal and then all of a sudden in my head everything would speed up to 1.5 to 2 times normal speed. All sounds would do this and I would hear a voice in my head that sounded like my aunt that was also going 1.5 to 2 times normal speed. It would be a horrible feeling in my head. The closest I can describe the feeling is it was like someone taking their nails and running them over a chalkboard over and over. You just want to rip your head off to make it stop! It wouldn't last more than a couple minutes, but I could only get through it if I left everyone I was with and went somewhere quiet to close my eyes. The more external stimulation there was, the worse it was.

This started when I was a little kid and as I got older happened less and less. I hadn't had it happen for the last 5-6 years until about 2 weeks ago. Then it hit me out of the blue when I was getting ready to move. I've never told anyone or mentioned it to anyone. I've been too scared to. I've been dx GAD, so I'm wondering if that could just be an anxiety thing from stress or something. I never could figure out a pattern for it happening as a kid, but I didn't realize I had anxiety back then.

From what I've been reading of people's descriptions, it is not "racing thoughts". And because of the anxiety, I have a hard time getting my mind to shut up. This isn't like either of those. That's why I'm lost. Has anyone else had anything remotely like this or know what it is? I'm sure hoping it is only an anxiety issue.

What you describe sounds like an anxiety symptom similar to one I had often as a child and then only a few times as an adult. But instead of just one aunt's voice, mine was like a room full of people muttering and other noises I knew weren't real (often times this noise would come to me as I lay quiet in bed... it is quite unnerving and I thought my head would pop off from sheer madness if it didn't stop). Don't feel embarrassed-- make an appointment with a behavioral health professional.

Also, what is your caffeine intake? I would definitley try cutting down on caffeine if you use it. Don't quit cold turkey because you may get headaches, but cut way down and see if that doesn't help. I recommend that for anyone who has anxiety. Unfortunately caffeine doesn't affect me because I have ADD, which is a mixed blessing I guess. But I think caffeine can do wicked things to people. It's a legal, addictive stimulant...

Good luck and remember to take deep breaths when this is happening to you. Tell yourself it will pass, because it will, but you can definitely get on a medication that will calm you. I recommend Lexapro. I take 20 mg per day-- it has changed my life and has a very low risk of side effects.
Good luck.

Kelly

Hi Just,

Sudden and frightening perceptual changes seem to be common in anxiety disorders. I suffer this from time to time and I am always shaken when it happens.

I'm sorry that this is happening for you.

Good thoughts, M

I've personally experienced some very strange symptoms that will popp out of no where and I'll have a new addition to my already long list of anxiety symptoms...as far as your feeling of a "racing mind" I've had that before-it kind of feels like you can't concentrate on one thought right? You feel like you are going crazy-but you're not I promise. I may be young but I've experienced so much anxiety in my life to know having any kind of anxiety disorder does not make you crazy. Maybe talk to your psychiatrist and see what he/she says maybe there is a new med you can try and if you don't want to do meds maybe there are types of natural healing you could try-meditiation is great.
Good luck

Just:

I've had similar experiences and I suffer from GAD. I find that usually the kind of experience you're explaining is what usually brings on my panic attacks. I wish you luck. I don't think it's anything more serious. Anxiety and stress can make us think we're going crazy. If the symptoms don't go away, however, please contact your doctor. =)

Take care,
Kimberly.

Well I'm very happy to hear this. I had a feeling it was stress and anxiety related, but wasn't sure. As a kid, telling an adult that something weird is going on in your head isn't exactly something a kid wants to do.

Right now I'm on Wellbutrin for the anxiety. It has totally mellowed me out compared to what I was before taking it. I know that isn't what caused this and I'm taking in very little caffine. Hopefully, it won't happen again. It's gotten close a few times, but hasn't been a full blown episode like it was a few weeks ago.

I don't have a tdoc right now, but when I run by my pdoc's office next week I may casually mention it. We'll see how brave I am. haha!

from what ur saying it sounds like ADD or ADHD. not sure though. I would talk to ur pdoc about it.

...and I also have ADD along with GAD, so hmmm, I wonder if this has more to do with ADD than anxiety. But I don't have the "H" in ADHD... I would think this would be more related to a "hyper" brain... Interesting... maybe I'll do a little research...

-Kelly

Well, I talked to my pdoc today about it. He's not too worried right now because it hasn't happened to me in so long and when it does happen it is so short. Now if it happens anymore, then the medicine gets lowered because that could be causing it. We'll see.