Anxiety and Its Physical Manifestations: A Patient's Journey

Could you please provide more details or specify your question?

Hello, doctor.
I have been a patient with anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder for over 10 years.
I have been intermittently taking medication from a psychiatrist.
My diet is not particularly health-conscious; I do not smoke or drink, and my bowel movements are okay.
The core of my anxiety is a profound fear of cancer.
Whenever I feel something unusual in my body, I immediately think of cancer, which triggers panic and anxiety.
Ten years ago, I experienced a feeling of heaviness and pain in my upper right abdomen near the lower rib cage.
I consulted a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist and underwent gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal ultrasound, all of which showed no significant issues.
Despite this, the symptoms in my upper right abdomen persisted.
Interestingly, the symptoms would temporarily disappear whenever I was preoccupied with worrying about other organs potentially having cancer.
However, when I had nothing to worry about and focused my attention back on my upper right abdomen, the symptoms would reappear.
This cycle continued for four years until one day, the symptoms in my upper right abdomen disappeared on their own.
After a while, I began to experience similar symptoms in my upper left abdomen, which felt like a mirrored version of the discomfort I had previously experienced on the right side.
The symptoms were identical, just on the opposite side.
This continued for almost six years, during which the symptoms in my upper right abdomen did not return, but the discomfort in my upper left abdomen remained.
Again, the symptoms would only temporarily vanish when I was worried about other organs potentially having cancer, and they would reappear when I had nothing else to focus on.
I have been intermittently taking psychiatric medication until last year when I switched doctors and changed to a different psychiatric medication.
Unbeknownst to me, the symptoms in my upper left abdomen disappeared for nine months.
However, last week, after seeing some reports about gastrointestinal cancer, I immediately became concerned about having cancer.
I looked down at my previously calm upper left abdomen, focused my attention on it, and shortly after, the symptoms returned.
Doctor, what should I do? What could be the cause of my condition? Thank you, doctor.

Lebron, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/22

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello.
I would like to know if you have been continuously taking psychiatric medications recently.
The symptoms you described still seem to fall within the realm of anxiety.
I recommend that you continue to follow up with your doctor and discuss your current condition.
Your attending physician will help you with appropriate treatment to improve your symptoms.

Reply Date: 2022/06/22

More Info

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you have been on a challenging journey with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for over a decade. Your symptoms, particularly the intense fear of cancer and the physical manifestations associated with that fear, are not uncommon among individuals with anxiety disorders.
From what you've described, it appears that your anxiety is closely linked to your physical sensations. This is a classic example of how anxiety can manifest physically, often referred to as somatic symptoms. When you focus on your body and its sensations, especially in the context of your fears about cancer, it can lead to a cycle of anxiety that exacerbates those sensations. This cycle can create a feedback loop: the more you worry about your health, the more you notice physical symptoms, which in turn increases your anxiety.

The symptoms you experienced in your right upper abdomen, which later shifted to your left upper abdomen, could be related to muscle tension or gastrointestinal issues that are often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. It's important to recognize that while your concerns about cancer are valid, the extensive medical evaluations you've undergone (such as endoscopies and ultrasounds) have shown no significant findings. This suggests that your symptoms may be more related to anxiety rather than a serious underlying medical condition.

Here are some strategies that may help you manage your anxiety and its physical manifestations:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders and OCD. CBT can help you identify and challenge irrational thoughts related to your health fears and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and improve your awareness of bodily sensations without immediately reacting to them.

3. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce stress.

4. Limit Exposure to Triggers: Since you mentioned that reading about cancer triggers your anxiety, it may be beneficial to limit your exposure to such content. Instead, focus on positive and uplifting material.

5. Medication Management: Since you have been on various medications, it’s crucial to maintain open communication with your psychiatrist about your symptoms and any side effects you may experience. If you feel that your current medication is not effective, discussing alternatives with your doctor may be helpful.

6. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide comfort and understanding. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can be a valuable resource.

7. Journaling: Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings can help you process your emotions and identify patterns in your anxiety.

8. Professional Help: If you find that your anxiety continues to interfere with your daily life, seeking further evaluation from a mental health professional may be necessary. They can provide tailored treatment options that address both your anxiety and any physical symptoms.

It's essential to remember that you are not alone in this journey, and many people experience similar struggles with anxiety and health fears. With the right support and strategies, it is possible to manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed.

Similar Q&A

Coping with Unexplained Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Expert Advice Needed

Hello Dr. Huang, I hesitated for a long time before deciding to ask for your advice. Since around the end of October last year, after securing a stable job, I began to exhibit tendencies of health anxiety. Whenever I experience any physical discomfort (mainly related to my eyes)...

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Dear HYAX, Thank you for your question. From your description, it seems that you originally had a bit of a perfectionist personality and experienced job-seeking pressure before October. However, after securing a job, instead of feeling relieved, you began to worry about your he...

Understanding Anxiety and Stress: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

Hello, doctor. During high school, I always felt the urge to go to the bathroom whenever there was an assembly. At that time, the strict environment at school made me feel like I was just there to avoid punishment. In college, I reached a breaking point and sought help from a psy...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, based on your concerns, I cannot conclude whether your discomfort is due to excessive stress. Since you are still young, theoretically, there shouldn't be any major issues with your health, and you have already consulted a psychiatrist. My response may be that autonom...

Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Anxiety: Understanding Mental Health Challenges

Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns! My background and current living environment are quite normal. However, I have been struggling with psychological issues: 1. Recently, I have experienced some minor physical ailments. Since I have never had these issues be...

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Fuwek: 1. During outpatient visits, many people purchase books about mental illnesses to better understand themselves, only to find that they resonate with what is described in the texts, which deepens their feelings of unease. In reality, even psychiatric textbooks can ...

Overcoming Fear and Anxiety: Understanding Emotional Challenges in Mental Health

Since I can remember, I have had an instinctive fear of certain things: 1. The images of invasive procedures (injections, blood draws, surgeries, injuries) evoke a subconscious fear, whether I am experiencing them myself, watching others undergo them, or seeing them in television...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello, Salt: The fear you feel towards certain specific objects or situations is known as a phobia, which is quite common. Approximately 10% of the general population experiences this condition at some point in their lives. If you find that this fear is causing you significant di...