Dr. Adams
10-27-2006, 01:50 PM
"Patients with physical maladies are at increased risk of having an anxiety disorder as well. Furthermore, the severity of the physical illness and resulting loss of function are exacerbated among patients with comorbid anxiety.
Analyses showed that the presence of an anxiety disorder -- panic disorder, phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder -- was independently associated with diseases of the respiratory and the gastrointestinal tracts, arthritis, allergies, thyroid disease, migraine, and any past-month physical condition.
The onset of anxiety disorders was more likely to have preceded onset of comorbid physical conditions, and that quality of life and physical functioning were worse when comorbid anxiety disorders existed.
Anxiety disorders and physical illness can turn into a vicious circle. Painful conditions like migraine and arthritis could increase a patient's anxiety about the pain. Or panic attacks may be mistaken for asthma attacks.
Anxiety causes individuals to avoid situations that could precipitate symptoms, leading them to restrict physical pursuits or avoid social activities. Obesity or substance abuse may develop as a result, thereby raising the risk of other painful conditions and physical diseases.
Arch Intern Med 2006;166:2109-2116.
Analyses showed that the presence of an anxiety disorder -- panic disorder, phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder -- was independently associated with diseases of the respiratory and the gastrointestinal tracts, arthritis, allergies, thyroid disease, migraine, and any past-month physical condition.
The onset of anxiety disorders was more likely to have preceded onset of comorbid physical conditions, and that quality of life and physical functioning were worse when comorbid anxiety disorders existed.
Anxiety disorders and physical illness can turn into a vicious circle. Painful conditions like migraine and arthritis could increase a patient's anxiety about the pain. Or panic attacks may be mistaken for asthma attacks.
Anxiety causes individuals to avoid situations that could precipitate symptoms, leading them to restrict physical pursuits or avoid social activities. Obesity or substance abuse may develop as a result, thereby raising the risk of other painful conditions and physical diseases.
Arch Intern Med 2006;166:2109-2116.