[37F] Experiencing anxiety-related symptoms

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female reports symptoms including unintentional cheek, tongue, and lip biting, reluctance to leave the house, feelings of persecution without cause, and compulsive skin picking around the nails leading to bleeding. These symptoms suggest significant anxiety or stress-related issues. The physical manifestations of her anxiety, such as the biting and skin picking, are causing self-injury. The psychological symptoms include a fear of leaving the house and paranoia. Further evaluation by a mental health professional is recommended to assess for anxiety disorders, possible underlying causes, and appropriate treatment options.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, you may be experiencing the following:

  • Trichotillomania: This is a disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your body. The most common areas are the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, but you can pull hair from anywhere on your body. The hair pulling can result in visible hair loss, which can cause significant distress.

    • Treatment often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, specifically a type of therapy called habit reversal training. Medications may also be used.

  • Dermatillomania (Excoriation disorder): This is a disorder that involves recurrent skin picking that results in skin lesions and causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. It often co-occurs with Trichotillomania.

    • Treatment is similar to that of Trichotillomania, involving cognitive-behavioral therapy and potentially medication.

  • Morsicatio Buccarum: This is a condition characterized by chronic biting or chewing of the inner cheek, lip, or tongue. It's considered a type of body-focused repetitive behavior, similar to Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania.

    • Treatment typically involves behavioral therapy to help manage the habit.

  • Agoraphobia: This is an anxiety disorder where you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic, feel trapped, or embarrassed. The fear can be so overwhelming that you may feel unable to leave your home.

    • Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.

  • Paranoia or Persecutory Delusions: These are thoughts and feelings of being threatened or persecuted, even if there's no evidence or reason to feel this way. This can be a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as paranoid personality disorder or schizophrenia.

    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and medication.

What you can do

  1. Seek professional help: It's important to reach out to a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide therapy and possibly prescribe medication.

  2. Self-care: Try to engage in relaxing activities, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can also help manage your symptoms.

  3. Support groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing the same struggles can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide practical tips.

What you should look out for

If you notice any of the following, it's important to seek immediate medical attention:

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or others
  • Inability to perform daily tasks
  • Symptoms worsening or new symptoms developing

Remember, while this advice provides a starting point, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is Dermatillomania and how is it treated?

Dermatillomania, also known as Excoriation disorder, involves compulsive skin picking that leads to skin lesions and distress. Treatment often includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, particularly habit reversal training, and sometimes medication.

How can Agoraphobia affect daily life and what are the treatment options?

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where individuals fear and avoid places or situations that might cause panic or embarrassment, potentially leading to an inability to leave home. Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication to manage symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Paranoia or Persecutory Delusions and how are they managed?

Paranoia or Persecutory Delusions involve irrational thoughts and feelings of being threatened or persecuted without evidence. Management usually includes psychotherapy and medication to address underlying mental health disorders.

What self-care strategies can help manage anxiety-related behaviors like skin picking and cheek biting?

Self-care strategies for managing anxiety-related behaviors include engaging in relaxing activities like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, maintaining regular physical activity, and following a healthy diet. These can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

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