Furthermore, in excess, alcohol can lead to a variety of anxiety-like symptoms. For example, after a night of heavy drinking, alcohol can leave you feeling more anxious because it clears the system quickly and the body craves more. That craving can lead to addiction over time. Even a couple of glasses of wine in the evening may help you sleep initially but disturb the quality of your sleep leading to fatigue in the morning. So, anxious people need to be cautious about their use of alcohol.
Caffeine can also spell trouble. Some people seem to thrive on triple espressos, but others find themselves up all night with the jitters. Caffeine lurks in most energy drinks as well as chocolate, so be careful if you’re sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Finally, lots of people get nervous after eating too much sugar. Watch kids at birthday parties or Halloween. Adults can have the same reaction. Furthermore, sugar is bad for your body in a variety of ways, such as spiking blood glucose levels and contributing to metabolic syndrome (a condition that often leads to high blood pressure and diabetes).
THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG: IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that involves a variety of related problems, usually including cramps or pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, and/or constipation. These occur in people with no known physical problems in their digestive systems. IBS negatively impacts the quality of life for the 10 to 20 percent of the population, mainly women, who suffer from it. For many years, doctors told most of their patients that irritable bowel syndrome was caused by stress, worry, and anxiety.
Genetic research has found various genes that may contribute to the emergence of IBS. However, the exact role that genes play in this disorder remains unclear. More research is needed.
There is no known cure for IBS, and treatments are targeted at symptoms. Various medications have been found to decrease some of the worst symptoms of IBS. In addition, psychotherapy that teaches relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and techniques for coping with anxiety and stress also improves IBS symptoms. So, at this point, no one really knows to what extent IBS is caused by physical causes, anxiety, or stress. It’s more likely, however, that the mind and body interact in important ways that can’t always be separated.
Investigating medical anxiety imposters
Getting sick can cause anxiety, too. For example, if you receive a serious diagnosis of heart disease, cancer, or a chronic progressive disorder, you may develop anxiety about dealing with the consequences of what you’ve been told. The techniques we give you for dealing with anxiety throughout this book can help you manage this type of anxiety as well.
TABLE 3-2 Medical Imposters
| Medical Condition | What It Is | Anxiety-Like Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemia | Low blood sugar; sometimes associated with other disorders or can occur by itself. A common complication of diabetes. | Confusion; irritability; trembling; sweating; rapid heartbeat; weakness; cold, clammy feeling |
| Hyperthyroidism | Excess amount of thyroid hormone. Various causes. | Nervousness, restlessness, sweating, fatigue, sleep disturbance, nausea, tremor, diarrhea |
| Other hormonal imbalances | Various conditions associated with fluctuations in hormone levels, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, or postpartum. Highly variable symptoms. | Tension, irritability, headaches, mood swings, compulsive behavior, fatigue, panic |
| Lupus | An autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system attacks certain types of its own cells. | Anxiety, poor concentration, irritability, headaches, irregular heartbeat, impaired memory |
| Mitral valve prolapse | The mitral valve of the heart fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the left atrium. Often confused with panic attacks in making the diagnosis. | Palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing |
| Heart disease (including arrhythmias and tachycardia) | Conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels, problems with muscle, valves, or rhythm | Shortness of breath, noticeable changes in rhythm or skipped beats, chest tightness or pain |
| Chronic lung conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma) | Irritation or damage to the lungs | Shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, feelings of not getting enough air, panic |
| Ménière’s syndrome | An inner ear disorder that includes vertigo, loss of hearing, and ringing or other noises in the ear. | Vertigo that includes abnormal sensations associated with movement, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sweating |
Chapter 4
Clearing the Roadblocks to Change
IN THIS CHAPTER
