Aa
shivering of hands
i m a 24 yr old dentist...my hands shiver sometimes while doing patientsand when i m nervous...is it due to anxiety...or there is some other reason...what is the treatment?
Welcome to the forum.
I agree with the above posters....that your hand tremors could indeed be caused by anxiety. Of course, as you are probably also aware, other conditions could cause this symptom.
A very easy way to rule out other issues is to evaluate these situations in which your hands tremble. When it occurs, are you FEELING anxious? Are there certain procedures in which it happens more than others...perhaps certain situations where you may not be as confident as others (ie root canals vs fillings?) Have you been practicing long? Sometimes, keeping a log can help to determine if this is truly anxiety....noting when it happens...the circumstances around it...when it does NOT happen, etc.
If indeed you feel it is anxiety....then of course there are a lot of treatment options. First, if you are newer to the field, your anxiety will diminish as you grow more confident in your practice. Secondly, if you feel that your symptoms aren't interfering in your competency to perform procedures, then the best thing you could do is try NOT to focus on it...try the best you can to put it out of your mind. Unfortunately, anxiety has a way of getting worse the more we ruminate about it.
Try some relaxation exercises before you start with the next patient. Deep breathing, stretching, thinking positively.....picturing the end of the appointment, with a successful outcome, having relaxed and casual conversations with the patient and your assistants while working...those types of things. If you feel your symptoms are interfering with your performance, then seek some professional help....you may need a short course of medications...and/or psychotherapy. These kinds of symptoms are often very nicely treated with beta blockers, such as Inderal...vs the standard SSRI antidepressant meds (ie Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc),if you do not have a history of anxiety and depression. I know several surgeons with similar symptoms, who do not have any other anxiety/depression problems...who take a low dose beta blocker before work. Just something to consider if you feel you cannot get it under control yourself (which a lot of people can).
Your best bet is to have a pow-wow with your PCP...discuss your concerns...have a thorough physical to rule out a physiological cause (ie, thyroid abnormalities, diabetes, hypotension, etc)...and then go from there.
Chances are, if you are new to the profession, your symptoms will fade as you grow more confident. We've all been there...and certain procedures can make us more anxious...and due to the nature of your work...obviously having your hands tremble certainly makes you feel uncomfortable.
I can draw bloodwork blindfolded, but inserting IV's has always been a little more challenging for me. After 16 years, I am much more confident and proficient, but starting out...I would get quite keyed up when I would have to insert an IV...hands trembling and all. Certainly doesn't make the patient on the other end of the needle feel very great, ya know? :0) LOL You'd be surprised, however...most people wouldn't even be able to notice it...it is MUCH more obvious to OURSELVES.
Hang in there, and again, try to not focus on it as much as you can...and try some of the relaxation methods I've mentioned....you'll be just fine.
I agree with the above posters....that your hand tremors could indeed be caused by anxiety. Of course, as you are probably also aware, other conditions could cause this symptom.
A very easy way to rule out other issues is to evaluate these situations in which your hands tremble. When it occurs, are you FEELING anxious? Are there certain procedures in which it happens more than others...perhaps certain situations where you may not be as confident as others (ie root canals vs fillings?) Have you been practicing long? Sometimes, keeping a log can help to determine if this is truly anxiety....noting when it happens...the circumstances around it...when it does NOT happen, etc.
If indeed you feel it is anxiety....then of course there are a lot of treatment options. First, if you are newer to the field, your anxiety will diminish as you grow more confident in your practice. Secondly, if you feel that your symptoms aren't interfering in your competency to perform procedures, then the best thing you could do is try NOT to focus on it...try the best you can to put it out of your mind. Unfortunately, anxiety has a way of getting worse the more we ruminate about it.
Try some relaxation exercises before you start with the next patient. Deep breathing, stretching, thinking positively.....picturing the end of the appointment, with a successful outcome, having relaxed and casual conversations with the patient and your assistants while working...those types of things. If you feel your symptoms are interfering with your performance, then seek some professional help....you may need a short course of medications...and/or psychotherapy. These kinds of symptoms are often very nicely treated with beta blockers, such as Inderal...vs the standard SSRI antidepressant meds (ie Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc),if you do not have a history of anxiety and depression. I know several surgeons with similar symptoms, who do not have any other anxiety/depression problems...who take a low dose beta blocker before work. Just something to consider if you feel you cannot get it under control yourself (which a lot of people can).
Your best bet is to have a pow-wow with your PCP...discuss your concerns...have a thorough physical to rule out a physiological cause (ie, thyroid abnormalities, diabetes, hypotension, etc)...and then go from there.
Chances are, if you are new to the profession, your symptoms will fade as you grow more confident. We've all been there...and certain procedures can make us more anxious...and due to the nature of your work...obviously having your hands tremble certainly makes you feel uncomfortable.
I can draw bloodwork blindfolded, but inserting IV's has always been a little more challenging for me. After 16 years, I am much more confident and proficient, but starting out...I would get quite keyed up when I would have to insert an IV...hands trembling and all. Certainly doesn't make the patient on the other end of the needle feel very great, ya know? :0) LOL You'd be surprised, however...most people wouldn't even be able to notice it...it is MUCH more obvious to OURSELVES.
Hang in there, and again, try to not focus on it as much as you can...and try some of the relaxation methods I've mentioned....you'll be just fine.
I used to get that when I was over worked at my old job, and the stress to get things done were extreme.
My hands would trremble, but Id feel fine.
I believe your is probably the same,.
How long have you been a dentist for?
My hands would trremble, but Id feel fine.
I believe your is probably the same,.
How long have you been a dentist for?
Hello,
It *could* be a symptom of Anxiety. But normally there's other symptoms, do you ever experience any other things when this happens? E.g. rased heart and breathing rate, dry mouth, sometimes chest pains?
They would be physical symptoms, there's also psychological symptoms, including; mood swings, difficulty concentrating, sometimes tiredness etc.
If you do also have those symptoms, then there's a good chance you've got anxiety problems.
Treatment is normally counselling therapy and medication is sometimes given as well.
How long has it been going on for?
Thanks,
- John
It *could* be a symptom of Anxiety. But normally there's other symptoms, do you ever experience any other things when this happens? E.g. rased heart and breathing rate, dry mouth, sometimes chest pains?
They would be physical symptoms, there's also psychological symptoms, including; mood swings, difficulty concentrating, sometimes tiredness etc.
If you do also have those symptoms, then there's a good chance you've got anxiety problems.
Treatment is normally counselling therapy and medication is sometimes given as well.
How long has it been going on for?
Thanks,
- John
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