Reply #14: wishing you the best with the dx -- i've experienced some of what you mention.

[nashville_brook]

the emotional overload of being in a crowd...boy, do i relate.

kind of on a different track, i've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia which is primarily a pain syndrome, but has an affective/cognitive side. fibros can get stimulation overload quite easily. we feel assaulted sometimes with light, motion, emotion, smells, noise, etc. malls are a nightmare for me. as are sporting events. i often feel beat-up just watching movie trailers, and feel like an idiot having tears streaming down my cheeks before the movie even starts.

i hope this dx helps you access assistance in the system -- and gives you the time and headspace to be able to write more.