Medical History
All physical ailments have an emotional component too. A burden of diseases can adversely affect the patient’s mental health. The most common diseases which are likely to play such a role are chronic in nature. It means that they are persistent, and may have a progressive nature resulting in worsening of the disease over time. Other diseases which cause episodes of malfunctioning pose a constant threat to the patient. Some of these diseases are:
- Diabetes: It is a lifelong contract. Management of glucose in normal ranges can become a constant stress. Fluctuations that may be due any time the management is compromised become a source of fear for the patients.
- Cardiac ailments: A number of cardiac issues may ensue without warning. High blood pressure, chest pain, heart attacks can become emotionally debilitating.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy patients have to live with a constant fear of an impending spell of seizure. This fear can give rise to chronic anxiety.
- Thyroid disease: it is another chronic disorder involving hormonal imbalance which is also characterized by serious long-term symptoms and complications. The disease and its symptoms can both make the patient anxious.
- Poly cystic ovarian syndrome: PCOS is a very common hormonal disorder in young and adult females. The fluctuations in the monthly menstrual cycle and other symptoms of hormonal disruption seem like a never-ending battle for the patient and can serve as a breeding ground for anxiety.
- Gastrointestinal diseases: A number of GI diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases and stomach ulcers can suck the pleasure out of everyday life, making patients prone to develop anxiety.
All such diseases demand a long-term compliance from the patient. Some medications used in these diseases can also cause anxiety as a side effect. In short, any sway from the physical health is also a threat to the mental health of the patient.