Calcium Deficiency & Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders are a complex group of mental conditions characterized by feelings of nervousness and heightened stress. While not proven to cause anxiety, calcium deficiency may contribute to or mimic the symptoms of various anxiety disorders.
Significance
According to National Institutes of Mental Health, about 40 million Americans ages 18 and older suffer from anxiety disorders.
Types
Anxiety disorders share the core symptom of excessive nervousness but may be distinguished by characteristics like panic attacks or obsessive tendencies. Common anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, social phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of calcium deficiency sometimes mimic those of anxiety disorders. According to Anxiety Panic, calcium deficiency can cause irritability, heart palpitations and insomnia, all of which are common symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for calcium deficiency include lactose intolerance, milk allergy and insufficient vitamin D intake. Digestive disorders like Celiac disease may impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients like calcium, resulting in a deficiency.
Prevention
Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can help correct a deficiency, as can increasing your daily intake of calcium-rich foods like milk and leafy-green vegetables. A combination of psychiatric medication from the antidepressant or benzodiazepine families in conjunction with psychotherapy is the standard of care for most anxiety disorders.
Tags: anxiety disorders, Anxiety Disorder, Calcium Deficiency, calcium deficiency, Calcium Deficiency Anxiety, Deficiency Anxiety