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KEY POINTS
- Many medical problems can cause changes in your body that cause you to feel nervous, worried, or jittery.
- Treatment may include medicines, therapy, and learning ways to manage stress.
- Treating your medical problem can also help reduce anxiety.
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What is anxiety due to a medical condition?
Anxiety is a condition in which you feel nervous, worried, or jittery. You may have panic attacks or feel that something terrible is going to happen. Many medical problems can cause changes in your body that cause anxiety. As your medical condition improves, your anxiety will usually improve. However, if your health remains poor, anxiety may continue.
What is the cause?
The brain makes chemicals that affect thoughts, emotions, and actions. Without the right balance of these chemicals, there may be problems with the way you think, feel, or act. People with anxiety may have too little or too much of some of these chemicals. The balance of chemicals in your body may be upset by medical problems such as:
- Heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms
- Brain or nervous system problems such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or head injuries
- Hormone imbalances caused by pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal gland problems, or by diabetes
- Breathing problems such as shallow, rapid breathing; pneumonia; or chronic lung disease
- Withdrawal from sedatives or pain medicines
Certain medicines can also cause or worsen anxiety. These include asthma medicines, caffeine and stimulant medicines, and steroids such as prednisone.
What are the symptoms?
Besides feeling nervous and worried, symptoms may include:
- Thinking that bad things will happen or that you will never get better
- Having trouble falling asleep or waking up often during the night
- Having trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Fearing that you are losing control of yourself and will go crazy or will die
- Losing weight because you don't feel like eating, or because your stomach hurts or you have vomiting or diarrhea
- Having chills, hot flashes, sweating, shaking, numbness, or a pounding heartbeat
- Having trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or chest pain
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider or a mental health therapist will ask about your symptoms, medical and family history, and any medicines you are taking. He will make sure you do not have other medical illnesses or drug or alcohol problems that could cause the symptoms. You may have tests or scans to help make a diagnosis.
How is it treated?
Anxiety can be successfully treated with therapy, medicine, or both. Treating your medical problem can also help reduce anxiety.
Medicine
Several types of medicines can help. Your healthcare provider will work with you to select the best one for you. You may need to take more than one type of medicine. Before you take any medicine for anxiety, check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is okay to take with the medicines you are taking for your medical problem.
Therapy
There are several kinds of therapy that can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that is very effective with anxiety. CBT is a way to help you identify and change thoughts that lead to anxiety. Replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones can help you to control anxiety. Support groups are also helpful.
Other treatments
Claims have been made that certain herbal and dietary products help control anxiety symptoms. Supplements are not tested or standardized and may vary in strengths and effects. They may have side effects and are not always safe. Before you take any supplement, talk with your healthcare provider.
Learning ways to relax may help. Yoga and meditation may also be helpful. You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about using these methods along with medicines and therapy.
How can I take care of myself?
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and recommended treatment. Keep your follow-up appointments.
- Get support. Talk with family and friends. Consider joining a support group in your area.
- Learn to manage stress. Ask for help at home and work when the load is too great to handle. Find ways to relax. For example take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, or take walks. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises when you feel stressed.
- Take care of your physical health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet. Limit caffeine. If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol and drugs, because they can make your symptoms worse. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
- Check your medicines. To help prevent problems, tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all of the medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and other supplements that you take. Take all medicines as directed by your provider or therapist. It is very important to take your medicine even when you are feeling and thinking well. Without the medicine, your symptoms may not improve or may get worse. Talk to your provider if you have problems taking your medicine or if the medicines don't seem to be working.
- Contact your healthcare provider or therapist if you have any questions or your symptoms seem to be getting worse.
Get emergency care if you or a loved one has serious thoughts of suicide or self-harm, violence, or harming others. Also seek immediate help if you have chest pain or trouble breathing.
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