How can I get rid of phobia due to an earthquake?
Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Incharge of the Institute of Child Development and Adolescent Health at Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi
Q: I had a panic disorder due to a phobia during the earthquake in Gujarat. It started with symptoms of jerks and vibrations in brain when I am in deep sleep. I have symptoms like losing balance whenever I walk along with drowsiness, dullness and sinking feeling. I consulted many neurophysicians and got a series of investigations done like MI and CT scan. I also took the opinion of a psychiatrist and an ET expert. All reports were normal. I was under medication for two years. Later I consulted a senior neurophysician - he said that there is nothing to worry. I did the art of living course and did as he advised and got much relief. From the last two years I am on homeopathy medicines and my problem is 98 per cent under control. But since last month the symptoms have started again. I want to get rid of this. What is the remedy?
A:What you are describing are the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD develops when there is an overwhelming stress endangering life of a person. Usually, if treated properly, it resolves in a few months. However, recurrences and relapses are known to occur and it can also take the chronic form. I would recommend that you seek a psychiatrist’s opinion and with the help of few medicines, you'll be able to set over the symptoms soon. For longer lasting cure it’s advisable to seek professional help for psychotherapy.