Starting to wonder if my "anxiety" is really anxiety.

[jenniferxor]

Hi. I am nineteen years old and have been a sufferer of anxiety for going on five years. I know my anxiety well and am aware of my symptoms and how to deal with them. The problem is, I have had a few new doctors in the last few years and it seems everytime i go to the doctor, most of my problems ( and I don't have many) usually get blamed on anxiety. Normally I would respect the diagnosis, but this time I feel like I should get a second opinion.
The last couple of months at least 60% of my time has been spent in bed. I'm having strange symptoms and the only time i can really make them go away is when I'm asleep. I've been having headaches that come and go, but mostly weakness with a "heavy head" feeling, mild dizziness and my vision goes strange ( not a blurred vision, but everything gets brighter then dimmer etc.). This I could almost ignore if need be, but when I feel like this it comes with a state of confusion. I find it hard to concentrate, have a conversation.. It's as if everything gets scrambled and I can't think straight. I also get a stiffness in my whole body.    These symptoms all happen together at the same time, mostly later in the day and it's been happening quite frequently lately.
I'm sure this could be related to my anxiety, but if so, it's unlike anything I've experienced in the last five years, and it's really starting to worry me. Do you feel I should be concerned?..

[jenniferxor]

I am on 150 mg of effixor a day.  I have had a number of tests done when I first began having symptoms. About four years ago, i had everything from ear nose and throat specialists, blood work for numerous things, and a cat scan. I've had bloodwork, been checked for uti's and such, but nothing greater than that in the last few years.
Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it.

[bigdoug75]

talk to your dr about your syptoms anxiety will make u feel very strange ive had anxiety for 13 years for about 1 year ive had heavy head sore neck head pressure in the center of head i get a dizzy feeling (not room spinning) a weird dizzy my eyes feel out of focus and i feel weak in my body my dr put me on paxil 2 weeks ago its helping some . good luck to u.

[mammo]

You don't say what, if any tests have been done to rule out other causes for your symptoms, or if you are on medication. It sounds like you may be having panic attacks. We can, and do develop new symptoms with anxiety but all other possible causes should be ruled out before assuming it's part of your anxiety.  I would think your doctor would refer you to a Neurologist for an evaluation.  Anxiety comes with a vast array of symptoms, and it may well be your anxiety.  Tell us a little more about what, if any meds you are on, and any tests that have been done.  Take care...

[Too_Too]

Get a second opinion immediately. I don't think it has anthing to do with your anxiety but I'm not a doctor.  However I do suffer from anxiety and I have never felt what you are going through, but everyone is different. Go get a second opinion.