Dd (13) very anxious and possibly hypochondriac.

[malificent7]

Dd had a big panic attack in her English class about a month ago. Ever since she has been extremely anxious and worried about her heart stopping. I have taken her to the doctors ....normal ecg and blood tests. I have taken her to a and e....ditto and both the a and e paramedic and doctor have said it's her anxiety causing her palpitations...like a vicious circle.
I have referered her to cbt and will pay for private cbt till then.
Dd insists that a cardiologist will put her mind at rest.....do i get her referrred to the gp? I very much doubt a cardiologist will see her but she gets so distressed, clutches her heart and says she's worn out by worrying.

Maybe call the surgery and see what they advise. (Out of ear shot of DD)

If she's having palpitations then a GP will refer her to an arrhythmia team for a 24 /48 or 72 hour tape (they record all ecg activity over this time) and they'll review the ecg readings that are saved to show if she's having any abnormal runs of electrical activity over a period of time. This is more accurate for these symptoms than a 12 lead ECG as that only provides a snapshot. If there is nothing abnormal then it'll be dry reassuring , then you can start to treat other causes such as anxiety. Also, thyroid issues can present as anxiety so GP could do a drug panel. I think it's safest to rule out any potential physical issues before going down the anxiety route.

Could also be hormonal - is it around the time of her period etc?

It is partly hormonal i rekon. However the gp only did a 3 minute ecg. Not enough imo.

Her bloods are normal.

Stop giving it attention. Change the subject when she goes on about it.

Surely that won't help? Poor mite already feels fobbed off by the medical professionals let alone by her own mum. In the past i have felt her heart race.

@Someonemustknowtheanswer

Stop giving it attention. Change the subject when she goes on about it.

Please don’t do this.

I have health anxiety but I also have some serious medical conditions (lupus, Addisons and asthma etc) and for a long time people were really dismissive of my symptoms and labelled me hypochondriac and all it did was make me more anxious as I had no outlet for my feelings.

Reassure her that you know she must feel awful but all the tests she’s had so far have come back suggesting everything is okay and that you’re getting her help with her anxiety.

If you think it’s related to her cycle can I suggest you find her a period tracking app, or even a note book and every day have her note her symptoms. I suffered with PMDD from my teens throughout my life, menopausal now. For some women/girls their cycle can really impact their bodies and mental health. For instance anger, confusion, brain fog, decision making, insecurity and panic are just a few and are onset after ovulation, so from mid-cycle. My DD15 uses a tracker and although she doesn’t particularly suffer with PMS or PMDD she is aware that on certain days she cannot concentrate fully and on others finds her family/friends irritating. Good luck.