The Twin Terrors: Anxiety and Excessive Sweating
The Twin Terrors: Anxiety and Excessive Sweating
Do you suffer from excessive sweating? Well, chances are high that you also suffer from some form of anxiety and possibly even panic attacks.
Despite there being strong medical evidence to suggest a link between excessive sweating and anxiety, opinion is divided as to which causes the other.
A real chicken and egg problem...
Which came first – the anxiety or the sweating?
Some people believe that anxiety and panic attacks are not, in themselves, causes of excessive sweating. They believe that in the majority of cases anxiety merely aggravates or exacerbates an existing medical condition.
Others believe anxiety induced hyperhidrosis exists. In other words, anxiety or panic attacks that bring with them bouts of excessive sweating. Many people suffer ongoing states of anxiety or nervous tension and therefore excessive sweating becomes an everyday reality for them.
Since hyperhidrosis is a complex and poorly understood condition, it is likely that both the above theories are correct. One thing is for sure - increased anxiety equals increased sweating.
Managing your anxiety will reduce your excessive sweating
You know the vicious cycle. You sweat a little which makes you embarrassed, anxious and tense. Your tension and anxiety then makes you sweat a little more... And so the cycle continues. Frankly, it doesn't matter which caused the other - you just need to break the cycle.
Fortunately there are many treatments for anxiety and panic attacks, ranging from everyday relaxation techniques through to strong prescription medication. Here are just a few types of treatment:
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Relaxation techniques
- Hypnosis
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Medication such as diazepam or antidepressants
So what should you do if you suffer from excessive sweating and you feel you are susceptible to bouts of anxiety or panic attacks? Well, the first thing you should do is talk to your preferred medical practitioner. You'll need to make sure that your excessive sweating isn't a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
Once you've had a check-up I heartily recommend you try some simple relaxation techniques. As an ex-sufferer of hyperhidrosis I know first-hand the almost miraculous benefits of using relaxation techniques to reduce your excessive sweating. And, unlike the vast majority of excessive sweating treatments, this one is virtually guaranteed to have a positive rather than detrimental impact on your general health and wellbeing.
Product Recommendation – Panic Away
Frankly, you could try pretty much any relaxation, controlled breathing or CBT product from the Internet or your local bookstore and you will get some benefit from applying the techniques they describe.
But if you are looking for quick results with simple, easy-to-follow steps then I heartily recommend Joe Barry's book. I no longer suffer from excessive sweating but I continue to apply the techniques from this book because they help me to stay calm and in control in my everyday life.
I will do a full review of this book in my next hub page, but for now go over to Joe's website and read some of the comments from his customers.
All the best,
Howard Boon
This article is general in nature and does not represent medical advice. Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before choosing a course of hyperhidrosis treatment.
