Dr. Nguyen Phuong Trang, Head of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Unit, Department of Neurology, Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, diagnosed Ms. Phuong with acute stress reaction and anxiety disorder.

Dr. Trang explained that insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality overloads the brain, preventing it from recovering. Prolonged stress also increases cortisol hormone levels, disrupting activity in important brain regions like the hippocampus, which is key for memory, and the amygdala, the center for processing emotions and fear. This can eventually lead to anxiety disorder or acute nervous tension.

A doctor advises a patient on how to reduce nervous tension. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*.

Stress also increases free radical production, damaging brain blood vessels and nerve cells. This leads to symptoms like memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Patients often become irritable, sensitive, and experience frequent anxiety or fear without clear reason. If prolonged, this condition can increase the risk of anxiety disorder and depression.

Doctors prescribed Ms. Phuong medication combined with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Using specialized equipment, doctors apply electromagnetic waves to cortical regions involved in emotional regulation, improving and re-establishing neural connections.

After five sessions, Ms. Phuong's anxiety improved, and she slept better. Combined with good sleep hygiene, proper diet, and suitable physical activity, doctors anticipate her treatment course could conclude after 4-6 weeks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that one in every seven people globally experiences mental health issues, with anxiety disorder being highly prevalent. Dr. Hoang Quyet Tien, from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM, advises everyone to maintain a balanced lifestyle. This includes arranging study, work, and rest times appropriately to limit stress and get enough sleep each night. Additionally, short naps can be taken during the day, and physical activity should be maintained for at least 30 minutes daily.

A balanced diet should include all food groups, while limiting fast food, alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, and coffee. Supplementing with natural nutrients like blueberry and ginkgo biloba, rich in anthocyanin and pterostilbene, helps neutralize free radicals, enhances neural connections and transmission, thereby reducing stress.

When experiencing prolonged insomnia, frequent anxiety, palpitations, headaches, or dizziness, patients should seek medical examination for diagnosis and timely intervention.

Thai Thanh

*Patient's name has been changed.