Anxiety as a new symptom of MS?

[sarabeach123]

After being stable on Tysabri (extended doses of 6 weeks) for years, I've recently developed debilitating anxiety. I've never had anxiety before, and there were no particular stressors that brought it on. It's been bad for a few months, often leaving me unable to leave the house with frequent panic attacks. I'm now on Zoloft as well as ativan (prescribed by general practitioner) and it's a bit better, to the point where I can function most of the time but I'm not back to "normal" by any means. I will have the opportunity to see my neuro and a psychiatrist soon (who is attached to the MS clinic). Is there a possibility anxiety could be because of new lesions? My last MRI was in January, long before this all started and it was stable at that point. Is there any point in requesting a new MRI? I may consider going back to more frequent infusions for Tysabri, for example.

I am not necessarily asking for medical advice, but rather hearing others' experiences with anxiety and some advice on a list of questions I can bring to my appointment. Thanks for any help!

[sarabeach123]

I actually should clarify that I have had anxiety and panic attacks once before - it was right at the beginning of my journey with MS. It actually started the journey and once I was diagnosed it went away. I always felt like it was my body telling me there was something wrong. Which, of course, concerns me about what might be "wrong" now since it's been 8 years since the diagnosis.

[pennstater]

Hi sarabeach123. Anxiety is fairly common in MS. It can be generalized, which seems like you may have experienced before. It can be situational and resolve when the situation resolves. My only experience was this, related to a decision to stop working. So I may not be the best resource on experience.

There is some thought that the anxiety could be related to lesions in some cases. If related to a lesion, I would think that it would behave like other lesion damage - meaning the anxiety could be the result of new lesion, reactivation of old lesion, or a result of the damage from the old lesion. It is possible for the brain to circumvent damage, a trait called neuroplasticity, But there are limits, and as our cognitive reserves deplete, it becomes harder to do and the damage may no longer be able to be circumvented.

It can also be brought on by stress or other triggers. I know you mentioned nothing has really changed to trigger it. But sometimes, things can be simmering underneath when we don't realize.

I am not too sure moving from a six week to four week Tysabri would benefit you really. My understanding is there was no significant clinical differences between the 4 week and extended dosing schedules

Glad you will be seeing both your neuro and a psychiatrist. Great question so for your neuro - would a new MRI be beneficial to see if any changes? Likewise, get their thoughts on a 4 week dosing schedule, depending on your JCV- levels.

Regardless of whether directly caused by MS or another source, the psychiatrist can best regulate meds for anxiety. I benefitted greatly from a psychologist as well, with skills to help manage it until my situation resolved. The talk therapy also helped me resolve my situation too as a bonus.

Truly hope you feel better. Please let us know how you are doing.
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[Pistachio]

I know someone with MS whose first symptom was crippling anxiety. She had no other symptoms until years later. And, she had not had any anxiety previously. So, yes, it can be caused by lesions. Of course, it can also be idiopathic.

[NoraS]

I had a debilitating bout of anxiety many years ago, but looking back I believe it was just one of my exacerbations. I consistently get them every few years, and some have had really bizarre symptoms that don't seem to pertain specifically to MS. They had me on Elavil for a while, but the best I could do for myself during that time period was just try to avoid situations that stressed me out. They eventually went away, and I've been fine ever since.

[Jules A]

Its really promising to hear about some folk's anxiety resolving. I have also seen it start suddenly in people with no history as they get older, like 70s+ and wonder if the age related brain changes may bring it about as well. Interesting thread.

[Bandito1275]

Anxiety became a part of my life the day I was give my 100% MS diagnosis. I had my first panic attack that day. a few panic attacks and trips to the emergency room later my primary care, doctor prescribed me Ativan as needed to avoid the panic attacks. a little while after that, I decided to try to take better control of my health and change the way I eat and start exercising and so forth, and I ended up losing about 50 pounds or so. I was running three or four times a week and, once all the weight came off, the symptoms went with it. I’ve had back trouble since then, and I’ve came back all of that weight plus some and just recently within the last couple of months the anxiety came back and it has stayed and it can be crippling at times. my MS specialist has referred me to a neuropsychologist that works with other MS patients at the clinic and hopefully that will be fruitful.