bowel creating panic or panic creating bowels???

[fiercefun]

i have been battling all sorts of symptoms and anxiety/panic attacks... most are occuring in the morning when i have a horrible feeling of doom and am over come with shivers and dizziness as well as an absolute need to have a bowel movement ... i have started to wonder if the bowel being full or ready is setting off a feeling that is bringing on the anxiety or panic... or is it that the attack is causing the need to move them... has anyone had a similar feeling... thanks in advance...

[Krisse]

Ahhh, yes....the fun of having panic!

Over the last few years, this started happening to me, too.  Never had this symptom before, but when the panic/anxiety was bad, I would get diarrhea.  I think all that adrenaline does something to the stomach, not for all people, just for some.  I've also had issues with this when making medicine changes or dosage changes.  I think having stomach issues is pretty normal for people who have this disorder.  You're not alone.... ;)

[Lozza]

I also have this issue. Being anxious creates bowel movements for me and it's really irritating...especially if I'm anxious about going somewhere. Because then I become anxious about needing the toilet while I'm out. (I have a phobia of public toilets...not when it comes to peeing, just bowel movements). The feeling of a bowel movement also makes me feel anxious sometimes (maybe my brain has linked that feeling to being anxious?), even when at home. But in public I always have a panic attack if I feel like that, especially at school. I've even taken myself to the office and got myself sent home before...
Gotta love the fun of anxiety 

[dbirm77]

Anxiety sufferers are among the most frequently diagnosed for IBS, Crohns disease, UC, etc.
There is a definate correlation between anxiety/stress and digestive disorders.
It is not understood why this is but there is overwhelming evidence that these 2 are related.

Drew

[LetMeBeMyself]

Before I understood that I have GAD, I used to wake up in the middle of the night periodically and have horrible bouts of diarrhea. It would always start with some kind of anxious dream and stomach pain, and then I would get up and go to the bathroom. Looking back, what I was feeling felt a lot like a panic attack; intense anxiety, feeling of doom, depersonalization, etc. While sitting on the toilet, I would have to put my head between my knees and put a wet rag on my neck so I would calm down and not pass out. Then I would usually have diarrhea a few times until there was nothing left in my system and go back to bed feeling better but exhausted and then sleep pretty hard till morning. As for explaining it, I would usually just write it off as "must have been something I ate."

My point in relating all this is that I now realize and am 100% convinced that anxiety caused the diarrhea and not the other way around. Ever since I started treating my depression and anxiety (Lexapro, Klonopin and lots of supplements), I haven't had any more such episodes. In fact, my digestive system and bowels have been far less sensitive and upset overall. Used to think I just had IBS, but now I think it was the anxiety all along.

OK, enough of this talk.

[floreswithpanic]

Boy oh Boy! Bowels and panic attacks!

Just to reiterate, yes, this is most definitely a HUGE issue with people with anxiety, GAD, panic.  I believe my doctor told me and I studied it that the relationship is that the adrenaline rush (flight or fight) kicks in and immediately your bowels begin to move because of the huge amount of the adrenaline.  It also, if you can believe this, cause constipation.  Either or, it is a problem with people. I of course have the same symptoms as you, can't stop going.  Most of the time I plan my events during the day so that I am able to have a restroom handy just in case.  I also have a BIG FEAR of going (#2) in a public restroom.  Why? Who knows, seems everyone else doesn't care, if you know what i mean .  The GI tract is affected tremendously with anxiety and panic.  Symptoms you get are burping, heartburn, gas, and/or diarrhea....sometimes all of the above.  That is no fun, trust me.  You are definitely among company in what you are feeling!  Hope this helps.  You are not alone!

Peace

[yola]

I know how you feel, my life revolves around needing to be near a toilet, and it seems to be getting worse as I'm getting older. To make things more awkward I'm claustrophobic so I cant lock the toilet door so I constantly have people nearly walking in on me. I dont know how many times I've felt like killing someone cos they push the door in so hard. I cant understand why people cant knock when they see a door closed over, instead of pushing their way in.

[CVR]

Glad someone brought up this subject

I can relate to this. Sometimes I just wish that this symptom would go away, then my PD would be better. I also find after having my morning cup of decaf coffee, I feel the intense need to go
It took me a while to control myself into not having a panic attack on the toilet. Now when I go, I tend not to panic anymore, but this symptom is still CRAP

[Notimeforthis]

From everything I've read about panic attacks, this is a normal bodily reaction.  Your body immediately wants to get rid of anything that will slow your body down during the flight response. 

[sreeji]

i've had ibs for three years (set off by ciprofloxacin). i've had panic attacks for the last 10 days (set off by another course of ciprofloxacin).

my experience is that IBS always precedes panic attacks rather than the other way around. In other words, if i keep my bowels clean and light, i am not likely to have panic attacks (unless i drink coffee, tea etc..)

if i feel like an upset stomach or have not gone to the toilet for more than 24 hours, i am much more likely to get a panic attack.

the panic subsidies almost immediately after relieving my bowels and in about 30 mins, i am back to normal.