[Andrew K Fletcher]

Giles describe the surrounding area you live in, not the name of the place or anything just a general description and whether you live in a basement, on a hillside, river valley area or close to the coast. When did these begin in? was it in relation to moving to a new area or home?

Lack of sleep could answer a lot of your problems, and possibly cause you to panic which would further compound any problems.

Do you find it easier to sleep in a chair?

[OldDragon]

Hi Giles, there are a few little things in what you have said that make me wonder how often and in what quantities, you might be consuming alcohol?

If you'd rather PM me on that score, feel free to do so. I was also a student once upon a time, certainly neglected my diet back then (beans on toast being the staple student dish at that time) and most certainly overdid the alcohol consumption. Being then considered as 'one of the boys', and indulging in a variety of drinking games with male friends on a regular basis, I know what lads get up to when together. We had  quite a lucrative sideline to studies at that time - with my 'specialist skill' something pals would gamble on, backing me to drink any stranger under the table. (Lads or grown men with macho egos to uphold were ripe for that sting.) Then I had a very high tolerance to alcohol, and despite being female and invariably having less bodyweight than my male opponents. I got a generous cut from the acting bookmaker, believe me.

IF you are drinking a fair bit, then it could easily account for some symptoms you describe, but that's not to suggest you shouldn't follow up on the suggestions made already but I would also suggested that you mention to your doctor honestly what your alcohol consumption is. Some people have a very low tolerance to it, and can be affected by half a pint of beer, others don't appear visibly affected by the equivalent of sinking a bottle of scotch or more - even if it does eventually catch up with them, trust me! When I started getting some of the symptoms that you describe, I never thought to mention to my doctor what I was chucking down my neck, or even make the possible connection. Why would I when it was me walking upright out of the pubs and counting the profits after a good night out with pals? The fact that you have mentioned it, and blackouts etc., makes me think that you might already have your own suspicions.

[Andrew K Fletcher]

Great advise!

Try keeping a diary of events that you think should be told to your doctor (i.e. every time you have any kind of attack, write it down), and take this along with you on your next appointment with your doctor.

[Alan McDougall]

As a sufferer of the bipolar disorder I would really advise you to see a doctor. If you have some mental disorder modern medice can controll nearly anything and lead you back to normal life

Good luck

Alan