White coat syndrome: why we fear doctors and how to deal with it

psychologist, family psychologist, head of the “Classics of Relationships” club

“Many of us are familiar with the feeling when inexplicable excitement begins before visiting a doctor. According to statistics, such panic fear is experienced by about 10% of the world’s population. The phenomenon has even received the name “white coat syndrome” and is considered a violation of the autonomic nervous system.”

Manifestation of white coat syndrome

The syndrome is also called “white coat hypertension.” It is primarily manifested by an increase in blood pressure and palpitations during a visit to the doctor. A person can be perfectly healthy, but the tonometer will show the opposite.

In real hypertension, the upper and lower blood pressure readings are altered. With white coat syndrome – only the upper mark. Rare manifestations of phobia do not carry a danger to health. But if the patient encounters it more often and feels discomfort, this is a reason to seriously study the problem.

In addition to a spike in blood pressure, the patient may show other symptoms. For example, an increase in the level of bad cholesterol and glucose in the blood, which is dangerous for the development of diabetes mellitus.

Also, the syndrome causes psychological stress and increases the phobia before the next visit to the doctor. Because of this condition, there is a risk of getting unnecessary medications or examinations. The syndrome can even lead to inaccurate diagnosis.

Where does the symptom originate from?

White coat hypertension has different sources. You may have had unpleasant experiences with doctors since childhood. Or you have not been able to find a competent specialist for a long time. Or you are worried that you will have to pay a lot of money for an appointment or medication. Or you are afraid that the doctor will make a terrible diagnosis and it would be better not to know it at all.

Perhaps searching for information about symptoms on the Internet scared you even before researching your specific problem. Doctors categorize white coat syndrome as an anxiety-phobic disorder. It can be cured by working with a psychotherapist.

How to beat white coat syndrome

1. The easiest way to reduce stress is to arrive at the hospital early so you have time to calm down and set yourself up for a comfortable visit. Take a leisurely walk down the hallway, study your surroundings, and observe other patients.

2. While sitting in a chair, try doing the “Square” breathing exercise. This technique helps with panic attacks, anxiety and reduces adrenaline levels in the blood.

Visualize a square and start breathing in this pattern: inhale for four seconds – hold your breath for four seconds – exhale for four seconds – hold your breath for four seconds. Repeat this pattern several times. The duration can be varied, the main thing is to “follow” the shape of the given figure.

3. You can calm down a little before a visit to the hospital with the help of herbal tea. But be sure to warn the doctor about it, especially if you have to do some procedure at once.

4. Try to get a good night’s sleep and do not drink any invigorating drinks before your appointment. And especially not alcohol. Excessive stimulants will not help you at all, but will only intensify the problem.

5. Include daily exercise in your life. Do a light warm-up to release excess adrenaline and calm down. Sports in general help to improve your quality of life and physical condition.

If the above methods do not help, then be sure to make an appointment with a cardiologist and check the vessels with a neurologist. Tell the specialists about all symptoms, take the recommended tests, so as not to miss the symptoms of diseases that are not associated with white coat syndrome.

Remember that most often white coat syndrome is a hidden psychological trauma. A psychotherapist can help you work through it gently and effectively so that future visits to doctors do not cause you panic and fear.