Jannie
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 Posted: 11/07/06 - 16:39 Post subject: Anxiety Disorders Linked to Physical Illnesses |
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An association between depression and physical illness has been determined a long time ago but a new study finds that anxiety disorders like panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and agoraphobia too are linked to physical disorders.
Some of the diseases mentioned are arthritis, migraine headaches, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal issues, allergies , and thyroid disease. The exact mechanism of association remains unknown but scientists are considering three possibilities.
Having a physical illness may cause worry and anxiety that may become so serious to qualify as an anxiety disorder. Also, an anxiety disorder could trigger biological changes and in that way contribute to physical illness. Third option suggests that a substance abuse disorder could cause both anxiety disorder and physical illness.
It was Canadians researchers that decide to analyze data from the German Health Survey that took place between 1997 and 1999. Nearly 4,200 people were involved in the study. They had to fill out a questionnaire about 44 specific health conditions, and their quality of life like physical functioning, pain, and general health and undergo physical examination and psychiatric interviews.
The study results showed that having an anxiety disorder could be associated with any type of physical condition.
Researchers are trying to point out the relevance of treating anxiety disorders in the medically ill as they have been doing it with depression. |
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