Low Potassium and Anxiety

Anxiety is associated with low potassium, or hypokalemia. Potassium is an important mineral involved in the function of cells, tissues and organs in the human body. Potassium is also an electrolyte, a substance lost during physical activity that conducts electricity in the body. Low potassium symptoms include weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, constipation and abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Mild cases of low potassium can be treated with supplements. More severe cases may need to be treated with injections.

Background

Anxiety is a normal response to stress that can become a debilitating problem. It can signal a disorder if it is chronic or disrupts normal functioning. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can include feelings of fear and uneasiness, tension, obsessive thoughts, problems sleeping, ritualistic behaviors, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Types of anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. Treatments include therapy, medication or both.

Decrease

Serum potassium may decrease in preoperative patients who have an increase in anxiety, according to a 1990 study published by G. J. McCleane and C. H. Watters in "Anaesthesia." Serum is the clear liquid that can be separated from clotted blood. Serum potassium concentration does not always reflect total body potassium.

Association

A 2010 study published by Sa'ed H. Zyoud and colleagues in "Human and Experimental Toxicology" showed that in patients after acute acetaminophen overdose, low potassium was associated with the presence of anxiety. Low potassium was also common among patients with major depression, adjustment disorder and suicidal attempts.

Prevention

Clonidine pre-medication may effectively prevent low potassium episodes occurring before the induction of anesthesia, according to a 2002 study published by Tae S. Hahm and colleagues in the "Journal of Clinical Anesthesia." Clonidine is a drug used to treat high blood pressure.

Treatment

Potassium clorazepate, or clorazepate dipotassium, is a benzodiazepine, a class of drug used to treat anxiety. It is prescribed for short-term relief. Benzodiazepines are the most common class of anti-anxiety drugs. Benzodiazeprines treat anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system.