Expert: Ryan Hale - 7/6/2011

Question
Hi there,
Im desperately seeking advice..
Im "severly under-weight" due to having suffered from anorexia, in which I am trying to recover. I weigh 45kgs, at a height of 5'7". I am now eating a well balanced diet but include vigorous exercise for 45 minutes every day. Recently I have been having somewhat of a panic attack after my gym session. I get shaky, dizzy, rapid heartbeat and sometimes even flashes in my sight. I drink on occasion, maybe once a week if that, where the day after I seem to get these similiar symptoms. What could be the cause of this "attack" and how do I reduce the symptoms when it happens?

Answer
Crystal-  it's hard to say if what you are experiencing is due to an actual anxiety attack or if it is from your physiological condition.  In most cases of anorexia, there are underlying issues that can be helped with counseling.  Often there are experiences like abuse, depression, anxiety or other issues that are contributing.  I good medical evaluation is important to make sure what you are experiencing is not cardiac related.  In addition, counseling can also be helpful to identify what is going on with the eating behaviors.