Does Substance Use Mimic Anxiety

According to anxiety information supplied by researchers on the subject, substance use can mimic anxiety and other medical conditions that present anxiety symptoms before the proper diagnosis of any form of anxiety disorder can be made.

Studies On Anxiety

Sadly, there are no imaging studies or laboratory tests can acupuncture help premenstrual dysphoric disorder positively make a psychiatric diagnosis. Doctors simply rely on their clinical judgement and their guide of suspicion in order to differentiate between anxiety disorders and substance use that mimic these mental disorders before they prescribe anxiety medication.

Substance use can mimic anxiety symptoms especially in people who are in their 40’s. At about this age, there is a fluctuation in consciousness levels or there is an evidence of autonomic instability. Anxiety disorders is most likely to occur in patients who are very concerned about losing control, has a history of anxiety problems in the family.

Anxiety Symptoms

People who use substances such as ecstasy or MDMA usually display anxiety symptoms as well, such as:

•    Racing or pounding heart
•    Jittery, nervous or shaky sensations
•    A tight knot in the stomach
•    Serious trembling or sweating
•    Insomnia
•    Feeling nauseous
•    Difficulties catching a breath when feeling nervous

Substance Use and Anxiety

When patients are being examined for anxiety disorder, the doctor usually takes a history of substance abuse into consideration. Substances that mimic anxiety disorder are prescribed damiana leaf, sold over the counter as a natural antidepressant or are plain illegal. Substances that might mimic anxiety symptoms include:

•    Cocaine
•    Nicotine
•    3,4-methylenedioxythamphetamine (also known as MDMA or Ecstasy)
•    Caffeine
•    Ephedrine & Pseudoephedrine.

A large number of natural antidepressant supplements are being sold in many health stores and online (especially online) and many of these herbal supplements are known to have side effects such as insomnia and nervousness. These natural antidepressant supplements contain herbs that are known to mimic anxiety in some users, these herbs are St. John’s wort, ginseng, ephedra. Withdrawal of opiates, benzodiazephines and alcohol are also considered. Individuals who are on alprazolam in order to treat anxiety disorder may suffer withdrawal symptoms that mimic anxiety disorders between dosages. Caffeine is a substance ingested by thousands daily and somatic symptoms of caffeinism are quite similar to symptoms displayed by patients who suffer from anxiety disorder. These anxiety symptoms include:

•    Sleeplessness (insomnia)
•    Diuresis
•    Diarrhea
•    Withdrawal headache
•    Tremulousness
•    Nervousness
•    Tachycardia

Anxiety information from clinical experience shows that a couple of women use the methylphenidate medication that has been prescribed for their children in order to suppress appetite, decrease concentration and depression.

Anxiety medication will only be prescribed for individuals who are actually suffering from anxiety disorder after the doctor has carried out the necessary checks. It is also important to know that anxiety medication will not cure anxiety disorder but will keep the symptoms under control and enable the individual lead a normal and fulfilling life. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are the major categorizes of medication in the treatment of this brain disorder.