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What Causes Tunnel Vision During Pregnancy?
Question: I am 13 weeks pregnant and lately I have been experiencing what I think is tunnel vision. I have suffered from extreme dissassociation (called depersonalization/derealization) terribly for the past few years so I am finding it hard to decipher between that, and let's say, low blood pressure or something of that nature. My question is: why would this feeling be occurring so intermittently lately as opposed to all of the time like it usually is or do you think it could be something more serious (even though my vital signs including my blood pressure seem to be within the normal range).
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
If your blood pressure is normal, it is not possible that blood pressure is the cause of your symptoms. Given your pregnancy and its cardiovascular effects, including potentially on the eyes, I would get an opthalmologic exam to make sure your eyes are healthy. However, given your history of dissociation, I find it much more likely your tunnel vision is a somatic symptom of anxiety. This can be safely and effectively treated during pregnancy either with an SSRI antidepressant (escitalopram) or cognitive behavioral therapy. If you do not have a CBT therapist in your area, I do offer online text-based therapy via asking a question at my private link below.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
If your blood pressure is normal, it is not possible that blood pressure is the cause of your symptoms. Given your pregnancy and its cardiovascular effects, including potentially on the eyes, I would get an opthalmologic exam to make sure your eyes are healthy. However, given your history of dissociation, I find it much more likely your tunnel vision is a somatic symptom of anxiety. This can be safely and effectively treated during pregnancy either with an SSRI antidepressant (escitalopram) or cognitive behavioral therapy. If you do not have a CBT therapist in your area, I do offer online text-based therapy via asking a question at my private link below.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
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