How Patient Anxiety Can Be Used as a Positive Tool in Treatment and Patient Care
Johannah Ruddy M.Ed
Senior Director of Patient Advocacy | Communicative Research Leader | Digestive Health Expert | Views my own
When we talk about patient anxiety, it usually is under the context of a problem that needs to be solved. After all, if left unchecked, anxiety can have a severe impact on one’s physical and mental health. However, in some circumstances, a level of anxiety can be beneficial, particularly in the context of managing conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While it shouldn’t be allowed to reach a point where it becomes detrimental to the patient, anxiety about symptoms can help patients better appreciate the nuances of their condition. Reframing anxiety as a positive force can drive greater patient engagement and encourage ownership in their healthcare journey.?
Recent research has shown that IBS, along with anxiety and depression, commonly occur together. While stress doesn’t cause IBS, or vice versa, the two are closely related and tend to exacerbate each other. As such, it is generally accepted that to treat IBS, you should also take measures to minimize patient anxiety as much as possible. Yet, while it is important to keep anxiety in check, eliminating it might not be necessary or even desirable. When one shifts away from evaluating patients by measuring deficits and instead focuses on what brings happiness and life satisfaction, we can better understand what IBS patients need to live their best lives.?
Through this shift in perspective, we can re-evaluate the place of anxiety in IBS treatment and recognize its potential value for improving patient outcomes. Some degree of anxiety about symptoms can help patients become more attuned to their bodies and more engaged in efforts to improve their overall health. This heightened awareness and engagement can translate into proactive management strategies such as dietary modifications, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. The benefits of anxiety in IBS treatment stem from its potential to create a deeper connection between patients and their health. There is ample evidence that patients who are more actively involved in their healthcare experience better health outcomes and incur lower costs.?
When patients feel a sense of ownership over their symptoms and care, they are more likely to adhere to prescribed treatment plans and educate themselves about their condition. In these situations, the anxiety-driven desire for relief motivates patients to diligently follow medication regimens, attend follow-up appointments, and incorporate recommended lifestyle changes. Anxiety can be a source of motivation, encouraging patients to keep up with care strategies even when they don’t want to. This proactive approach can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life.
No one enjoys dealing with anxiety, and there will be a point where being anxious about your symptoms will do more harm than good. Yet by managing those feelings of anxiety and balancing them with optimism and an informed outlook, patients can more meaningfully engage with their health and live better lives overall. So, next time you feel anxious about your health, try reframing your thinking and moving towards a more productive outlook on health.
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11 个月This is such an interesting perspective!! I’ve also worked on harnessing my medical anxiety and type A tendencies for good by focusing on diligently preparing for appointments so I don’t feel so anxious when I see my providers. Thank you for sharing this, Johannah Ruddy M.Ed!