|
 |
Medical Conditions |
Some medical conditions can result in symptoms of anxiety that have nothing to do with the anxiety disorders mentioned on this site. Before you begin any recovery program it is suggested that you rule out any medical caused for your anxiety.
Bourne,E.J., in his book, 'The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook' (1995) has suggested some of the medical conditions that result in the symptoms of anxiety are: |
| |
| Hyperventilation syndrome |
| Rapid, shallow breathing at the level of your chest can sometimes lead to excessive lowering of carbon dioxide in your bloodstream that then results in the symptoms of panic. These symptoms may be perceived as dangerous and may then stimulate a panic attack. |
|
|
|
| Hypoglycemia |
| For many people when their blood sugar levels drop too low due to improper diet or stress, symptoms similar to a panic reaction occur. |
|
|
|
| Mitral valve prolapse |
| This is a condition causing heart palpitations. It is caused by a slight defect in the valve separating the upper and lower chambers on the left side of your heart. In this condition the valve doesn’t close properly, and some of the blood can flow back from the lower to upper chamber causing the heart to beat out of rhythm. This is not a dangerous condition however can lead to panic due to the rhythm disturbance. |
|
|
|
| Prementstral syndrome |
| For some women, anxiety tends to be worse around the time just before their period. Treatment of PMS can often be enough to alleviate the anxiety. |
|
|
|
| Inner ear distrubance |
| Swelling of the inner ear can result in panic attacks |
|
|
|
| Other medical conditions |
|
 |
Acute reaction to cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, and other stimulants |
 |
Withdrawal from alcohol, sedatives, or tranquillisers |
|
Deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, potassium, niacin, vitamin B12 (see Nutrition in the Treatments & Therapies section of this web site). |
|
Emphysema |
|
|
| Reference: |
|
| Bourne,E.J.,(1995) 'The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook - A step by step program for curing yourself of extreme anxiety, panic attacks and phobias', MJF Books, New York., p.34-36 passim). |
|
|
| |
|
Main Menu
Home