White coat syndrome is a type of psychological disorder in which the person has an increase in blood pressure at the time of the medical consultation, but their pressure is normal in other environments. In addition to increased pressure, other symptoms related to an anxiety attack may appear, such as tremors, increased heart rate and muscle tension, for example.
The symptoms of this syndrome can appear both in childhood and in adulthood and treatment is done with the aim of controlling the symptoms of anxiety and, consequently, preventing the increase in blood pressure during the consultation.
Main symptoms and how to identify
White coat syndrome is mainly characterized by increased blood pressure at the time of the consultation with the doctor. In addition, other symptoms may be noticed at the time of the consultation, such as:
- Tremors; Cold sweat; Increased heart rate; Vomiting craving; Muscle tension.
To confirm the white coat syndrome, the person needs to have blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg during the consultation, at least three consecutive times, but normal blood pressure when measured several times at home.
24-hour ambulatory monitoring, known as ABPM, and home blood pressure monitoring, or MRPA, can be a good tool for the doctor to confirm that the pressure is normal in environments other than the hospital.
Possible causes of the syndrome
White coat syndrome is very common in childhood, in which the child does not want to go to the doctor, but it can also happen in adults. The causes of the syndrome are psychological and are usually related to the association of the doctor's image with needles or association of the hospital environment with death and diseases, for example. In this way, the person creates an aversion not only to the doctor but also to the clinical environment.
In addition, the syndrome can be acquired throughout life due to the dissemination of news about medical errors, compresses left on the body during surgical procedures, in addition to delay in care and unpleasant environment, for example.
How to control
The white coat syndrome can be controlled according to the cause of the syndrome, it is usually effective to talk to the doctor, so that you gain the doctor's trust and that the time of consultation is the most friendly for that reason. In addition, some people with this syndrome may be averse to any health professional who uses equipment, such as stethoscopes or lab coats. Thus, it may be necessary for doctors, nurses and even psychologists to avoid using their equipment, for example.
It can also be useful, that the consultation is carried out in an environment that does not resemble the hospital or office, as the symptoms of the white coat syndrome may appear while waiting for the consultation.
If the symptoms are persistent and arise even when thinking about going to the consultation, it is recommended to consult a psychologist so that one can identify the reason that leads to the syndrome and thus relieve the symptoms.
It is important that anxiety attacks are controlled by effective measures, otherwise it can develop into a panic syndrome, for example. Thus, it is recommended that activities be adopted on a daily basis that can help you relax and thus avoid the white coat syndrome, such as practicing physical activities on a regular basis and having a balanced diet. Learn how to fight anxiety.
