Certain medical conditions have been identified as being more prevalent in those with panic disorder. The comorbidity (two illnesses or diseases coexisting) of certain medical conditions with panic disorder may complicate treatment strategies. Here you will find information about some of the medical conditions that often co-occur with panic disorder.
Migraine
Headaches are a common complaint. In fact, frequent headaches are the third most common reason people see their primary care doctor. If you have panic disorder, you, too, may be suffering from this common ailment. At the least, frequent headaches are annoying. At their worst, they can be disabling.
About 50% to 66% of women and 35% to 40% of men who have panic disorder suffer from frequent headaches. And, people with panic disorder are up to seven times more likely to suffer the most severe of all headaches: a migraine. One study showed that two out of three patients with panic disorder met the criteria for problem headaches, with migraine being the most prevalent form.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is not a specific disease, but is used to describe a group of symptoms that may include:
- Stomach pain
- Flatulence (gas)
- Bloated or swollen abdomen
- Diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both
- Whitish mucus in the stool
The label “IBS” is often used when medical testing does not result in a specific diagnosis for the symptoms. IBS is usually chronic, but symptoms may be absent for long periods of time between episodes.
GERD or Acid Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux disease, is a common health problem that causes heartburn and acid regurgitation from the stomach. To digest the food you eat, your stomach is filled with gastric acid. As long as it stays in the stomach performing its job, there is no problem. But, when this acid backs up into the esophagus, you experience symptoms of heartburn. GERD has been linked with certain foods, medications, obesity and stress.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is commonly called an overactive thyroid. This condition causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone and causes symptoms that may include:
- chronic fatigue
- diarrhea
- hair loss
- fast heart rate
- bulging eyes or vision changes
- concentration problems
- sweating
- mood swings
- anxiety and panic attacks
- decreased sleep
More information about hyperthyroidism is provided by your Guide to Thyroid Disease.
Sources:
American Thyroid Association. “Hyperthyroidism.” 11 Nov 2008.
Breslau PhD, Naomi, Schultz PhD, Lonni R., Stewart PhD, William F., Lipton MD, Richard B., and Welch MD, K. Michael. “Headache Types and Panic Disorder: Directionality and specificity.” American Academy of Neurology 2001 56:350-354.
Haug MD PhD, Tone Tangen, Mykletun MA, Arnstein and Dahl MD PhD, Alv A. "Are anxiety and depression related to gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population?" Scand J Gastroenterol 37(3): 294-298, 2002.
Jansson, C.; Nordenstedt, H.; Wallander, M.A.; Johansson, S.; Johnsen, R.; Hveem, K.; and Lagergren, J. "Severe Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Relation to Anxiety, Depression and Coping in a Population-Based Study." Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2007 26(5):683-691.
Rosenbaum MD, Jerrold F. and Pollack, Mark H. “Panic Disorder and Its Treatment.” 1998 New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.
