White lab coat syndrome is a type of psychological disorder in which the person has an increase in blood pressure at the time of the medical appointment, but their pressure is normal in other settings. In addition to increased blood pressure, other anxiety-related symptoms such as tremors, increased heart rate, and muscle tension may occur.
The symptoms of this syndrome can occur both in childhood and in adult life and the treatment is done with the aim of controlling the symptoms of anxiety and, consequently, prevent the occurrence of an increase in blood pressure.
Main symptoms and how to identify
The white lab coat syndrome is mainly characterized by increased blood pressure at the time of consultation with the physician. In addition, other symptoms such as tremors, cold sweat, increased heart rate, vomiting, and muscle tension, for example, may be noticed at the time of the consultation.
To confirm white-collar syndrome, a person must have blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg during the visit, at least three consecutive times, and normal blood pressure when measured at home or at the outpatient clinic. 24-hour outpatient monitoring, known as ABPM, and residential blood pressure monitoring, or HBPM, are important so that the patient's normal pressure is known in different settings of the hospital and thus assist in the diagnosis of the syndrome.
Although ABPM and HBPM are important in the process of identifying the syndrome, diagnosis can not be made based solely on these parameters, since the pressure can increase in situations outside the doctor's office, such as in the workplace, for example.
Possible causes of the syndrome
White lab coat syndrome is very common in childhood, when 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 physician's image with needles or association of the hospital environment with death and diseases, for example. In this way, the person creates aversion not only to the doctor but also to the clinical environment.
In addition, the syndrome can be acquired throughout life due to the spread of news about medical errors, compresses left in the body during surgical procedures, as well as delay in care and a little welcoming environment, for example.
How to treat
The white lab coat syndrome can be treated according to the cause of the syndrome, and it is usually effective to talk to the doctor so that the doctor's confidence is gained and the time of the consultation is the friendliest. In addition, some people with this syndrome may dislike any healthcare professional who uses equipment such as stethoscopes or coats, so doctors, nurses and even psychologists may need to avoid using their equipment, for example.
It may also be helpful if the consultation is performed in an environment that does not resemble the hospital or office, as the symptoms of the white lab coat syndrome may arise during waiting for the appointment.
If the symptoms are persistent and even arise when thinking about going to the consultation, it is recommended to consult a psychologist so that the reason can be identified that leads to the syndrome and thus alleviate the symptoms.
It is important that anxiety attacks be controlled by effective measures, otherwise it may develop into a panic syndrome, for example. It is therefore recommended that day-to-day activities be used to help you relax and thus avoid white-collar syndrome such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Learn how to fight anxiety.
