Brief Answer:
Anxiety is inner turmoil with physical, autonomic and behavioural symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Anxiety is a normal human state, and it is nothing but inner state of turmoil due to some anticipated fear characterised by physical, emotional and autonomic symptoms.

Autonomic symptoms like pacing heart, sweating, redness of face, tremors etc are seen because of increased sympathetic activity. These changes also result in other physical symptoms of anxiety like chocking sensation in throat, tightness of chest, dizziness etc. It is not necessary to have intrusive, unwanted thoughts to cause these symptoms. These symptoms can even occur due to some unconscious fear or conflict. While at the same time bad thoughts, intrusive thoughts make an individuals worried and increase the anxiety symptoms.

So both are same and these are not different. First are physical symptoms of anxiety due to autonomic nervous system changes. While second are anxious thoughts to some extent these are related to obsessions which trigger anxiety. I hope this helps you in understand your symptoms. In my opinion these symptoms are not occurring due to some physical ailment but these are classical symptoms of anxiety.

Yes Gabapentin can help in anxiety. I personally use the drug in my patient for anxiety. Gabapentin and Pregabalin both are almost similar drugs and are used by some Psychiatrists for anxiety and panic attacks. These drugs are relatively safer if we consider dependence potential and have good efficacy which is comparable to benzodiazepines and beta blocker drugs. Sedation, dizziness, nausea etc are common side effects seen with these drugs. You can discuss with your psychiatrist regarding the prescription for these drugs.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Take care

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