Anxiety Attacks as a Symptom of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Anxiety attacks can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. When someone has hyperthyroidism, their body's metabolism speeds up, causing their sympathetic nervous system to become more active. This can lead to feelings of anxiety. In fact, the whole body may feel like it's shaking and going into overdrive.
Recognizing anxiety attacks can be important for managing them effectively. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, which people may describe as an anxiety attack. Some common symptoms of an anxiety attack include faster breathing, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and more. Anxiety can also be a reaction to stress or occur without any identifiable stressor.
When experiencing an anxiety attack, a person may feel a sense of fear and worry along with physical symptoms. It's important to note that anxiety attacks are different from panic attacks but can occur as part of an anxiety or panic disorder.
If someone is experiencing anxiety attacks as a symptom of hyperthyroidism, there are actions and treatments that may be recommended. These include:
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, limiting caffeine intake, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring enough sleep can often help in calming anxiety.
- Therapy: If lifestyle changes are not enough to manage anxiety attacks, it may be helpful to see a mental health provider for therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one technique that teaches individuals to recognize anxious thoughts and behaviors and make positive changes. Exposure therapy may also be used gradually to help manage anxious feelings.
- Medications: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat anxiety attacks. Common medications include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications like buspirone or benzodiazepines for relief of panic attacks. However, it's important to consult with a doctor before starting any medication.
It is advisable to seek medical help or call a doctor if someone is experiencing severe symptoms during an anxiety attack. These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency and should not be ignored. Some symptoms to look out for include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, chest pain, muscle tremors, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, and difficulty speaking.
If someone thinks they may have anxiety attacks as a symptom of hyperthyroidism or any other related conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), it is best to speak with a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance on the next steps to take.
Remember that this information is not meant as personalized medical advice; it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for individualized recommendations based on your specific situation.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information