Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 11/7/2011

Question
Once - sometimes twice - a year, I develop twitching of the face and neck. It is always associated with increased tension and anxiety, although I cannot define a specific source or cause of distress. When this occurs, I develop severe tension in the muscles in the back of my head and neck. I'm never sure the tension and anxiety are not a result of both the behavior itself and the stress of trying to suppress the twitches: they are quite obvious. I can't define what relief, if any, I get from the behavior - in fact it borders on painful. Neither my wife nor I have noticed that I do it while sleeping.

I've wondered if it isn't some derivation of Tourettes. I'm 57 now, but I can recall similar episodic, weird repetitive behaviors since childhood, typically involving facial twitches and head snapping. This time may be the worst its ever been for me, both physically and socially. I tried a Flexeril last night to see if it would help me get through a large family event - it made me very tired but had zero effect on the behavior.

I don't think my GP will have a clue about this, so before I make an appointment, does this sound like anything familiar in your area of expertise?

Answer
Dear Patrick,

Your condition could be a form of Tourettes although I've never heard of this particular symptomology.  I'm inclined to think that it could be part of an anxiety disorder.  You know that the symptoms increase with stress.

Generalized anxiety disorders have so many ramifications, generally caused by stress.

My suggestion would be that you see a good psychiatrist immediately.  Dr. Ira Sacker who is in Manhattan is fabulous-- plus a really nice person.

Here's a little info --  http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.sht

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it. More about GAD »
Signs & Symptoms
People with generalized anxiety disorder can't seem to shake their concerns. Their worries are accompanied by physical symptoms, especially fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes. More about GAD »
Treatment
Effective treatments for anxiety disorders are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. More about Treatment »


Please keep in touch and let me know what you find out --

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecover.com