Fear and Anxiety Related to Diagnosis

There is a major element of the unknown when it comes to medicine. From cancers to parasites, heart attacks to broken bones, a patient and their family may find themselves in a state of waiting for an answer. Dignoses abound, and fear and anxiety may take root before or even after a diagnosis has been made.

Fear Defined

• According to the Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, fear is defined as " an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger." Fear may manifest in a variety of ways, including difficulty sleeping, feeling short of breath, trouble concentrating, or a general feeling of impending doom.

Anxiety Defined

• As defined by the Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, anxiety is defined as "a painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind usually over an impending or anticipated ill." Some of the symptoms of anxiety may be excessive sweating, generalized tension or an increased pulse.

Medicine and Diagnoses

• There is much in medicine that is unknown, and even some of what is known can carry a sense of fear and anxiety with it. Terminal illnesses, life-long diseases or even broken bones, for instance, will likely invoke a strong feeling fear because there is an awareness of the danger of those maladies. Anxiety may also be involved due to an impending diagnosis.

Anxiety and Fear Levels

• Anxiety and fear can affects different people to different degree. Some may experience stronger symptoms, whereas others may be able to calmly deal with the situation. There are those who may need medical help to deal with their anxieties, and others may find relief through such things as exercise, meditation or eating healthfully.

Anti-Anxiety Medication

• There is medication available for those who struggle with fear and anxiety as it relates to a medical diagnosis. Some of the most common medications are Valium, Xanax, Zoloft and Prozac. To one degree or another, any of these medication may help lessen the degree of symptoms associated with fear and anxiety. It is important to consult with a physician before taking any medication.