About Kelley Expertise I am a registered nurse that has suffered from panic disorder for the past 23 years. I have learned many coping mechanisms to help me in my day to day life with the disease. I have learned to live WITH it instead of wasting my life waiting and hoping some day it will disappear. I can share many tips for getting through this disease that I have learned professionally as well as personally. I am a registered nurse and I have been afflicted with this disease for over 20 years.
Question Are there any medical conditions that contribute to panic attacks?For instance,copd,perimenopause,over-active thyroid,low blood sugar and can sinus problems associated with weather change contribute to triggering anxiety?
Answer Hi Judy,
First, let me apologize for not answering you promptly. I never received this question until 10 minutes ago.
This is a tricky question to answer. First, there are some conditions such as mitral valve prolapse, thyroid irregularities etc. that can mimic panic disorder. However, they are not a cause in that if you correct the underlying disease the panic disappears as well. There are also different triggers for panic attacks. For some it is an abundance of sugar or salt; alcohol, lack of sleep, stress, certain portions of the menstrual cycle etc. Not all people have all the triggers. Some have one, or two or none or all...it just depends.
As for weather, there is some research that seems to bear out a connection between S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and anxiety. However, the theory is more that once the S.A.D has past so has the anxiety whereas people who suffer from true panic disorder suffer all the time not just at certain times of the year. But, I want to be clear, that many do find their symptoms worsen at certain times of the calendar year (usually December - March).
Another consideration is that there is external panic and internal panic triggers. Examples of external might be flying, public speaking etc. Internal is triggered by "who knows what". The consensus seems to be a chemical imbalance in the brain. Sooo, to that end I will say that some people with COPD have panic attacks not because they necessarily have panic disorder but because their breathing problems can, in themselves, be scary and bring on a panic attack.
I hope I have answered your question. Best of health. Kelley
