B12 Deficiency Anxiety And Mental Health

By Nick Woods

As its sufferers can attest, anxiety has many triggers. Some are stealthy. Often, physical or biological causes are the hardest triggers to identify. One such trigger is a vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency anxiety is especially difficult to diagnose as its symptoms mimic so many other maladies, including anxiety. When the body is unable to receive or to absorb enough B12, a number of symptoms are affected. B12 is important in protecting the body from infection, facilitating healing, enabling cell interaction, removing toxins and more.

B12 is a vitamin that is water-soluble, which means it must be replenished every day. The human body can store fat-soluble vitamins, but it cannot store water-soluble vitamins for long. This storage vulnerability makes B12 deficiency common. Yet, B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed because the manifestation of symptoms is also indicative of other problems. Anxiety stemming from B12 deficiency is usually treated as though it were social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

B12 is a vitamin that is water-soluble, which means it must be replenished every day. The human body can store fat-soluble vitamins, but it cannot store water-soluble vitamins for long. This storage vulnerability makes low levels of B12 common. Yet, B12 deficiency is often misdiagnosed because the manifestation of symptoms is also indicative of other problems. Anxiety stemming from B12 deficiency is usually treated as though it were social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

Since insufficient levels of B12 is often missed during initial diagnosis, the mood changes sufferers endure are not readily addressed in the most effective way. Many other factors contribute to the development of anxiety and of other mental health issues. The depletion of B12 is discounted even though it affects the nervous system, which helps to maintain and to manage thought and behavior.

Agitation due to vitamin B12 deficiency anxiety can lead to a feeling of anxious anticipation or feeling on edge. In addition to this feeling of stress, the individual often will feel fatigued, weak, and lack appetite. These neurological signs can develop into a generalized depression, anxiety's sibling.

Sometimes a person with no previous mental health issues develops anxiety or depression symptoms without cause. Other times a person may have searched in vain for relief from routine treatment like SSRIs with no success. In these cases, tests on B12 serum levels are performed. An additional test, known as the Schilling Test, can be done. The Schilling Test measures the ability to absorb B12. Injections of B12 or other methods of supplementation are prescribed.

Many factors are considered when faced with anxiety. Proper medical treatment is essential to a proper diagnosis and treatment. Anxiety sufferers should consult a professional to find the source of their symptoms and the most effective way of treating their conditions. - 32530

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