[51M] Experiencing nervousness, sweating, and blood pressure irregularities

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is a common condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about different aspects of life. The constant nervousness, fear, and physical symptoms such as sweating, shaky hands and legs, and occasional headaches you described are common symptoms of GAD.

  • Treatment for GAD often involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating GAD. Medications include antidepressants, buspirone, and benzodiazepines.

• Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a feeling that something terrible is going to happen. The highest level of symptoms lasts a few minutes.

  • Treatment for panic disorder often involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in treating panic disorder. Medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and others.

• Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down. The "wooshing" sound in your ears and lightheadedness you described when standing up are common symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Treatment for orthostatic hypotension often involves lifestyle changes such as standing up slowly, avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of fluids, and wearing compression stockings. Medications may also be prescribed.

• Hyperpigmentation: This is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

  • Treatment for hyperpigmentation often involves over-the-counter creams, prescription creams, procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion, and others.

Please note that these are possible diagnoses based on the information you've provided and are not definitive. You should consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

1. Consult a healthcare professional: They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. They can also provide appropriate treatment for your symptoms.

2. Practice stress management techniques: This can include activities such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can also help manage your symptoms.

3. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new symptoms
• If you experience severe headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.