Many medical conditions can cause or contribute to anxiety symptoms. Some of the most common include thyroid disorders, sleep deprivation, drugs and substances, hormonal imbalances, chronic pain, neurological disorders (such as epilepsy or Huntington’s Disease) and mental health conditions (like depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder).
Other medical conditions—including certain types of infections, heart disease and asthma—may worsen existing anxiety or even trigger anxiety or panic attacks in some people. Additionally, some people experience a physical sense of anxiousness, known as somatic anxiety, as a result of side effects of some medications, illnesses or health issues.
How do I know it’s anxiety and not something else?
Anxiety is a very common affliction and there are several ways to identify it and distinguish it from other issues. Firstly, anxiety is typically marked by strong feelings of fear, nervousness, and often struggle with focusing and concentrating on tasks.
Other signs include physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate, trembling, excessive sweating, and shortness of breath. Additionally, there may be difficulty in sleeping, excessive worrying or ruminating, difficulty in controlling oneself or staying in control of emotions, and other psychological symptoms as well.
If you suspect that you may have anxiety, you should seek out the help of a qualified mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options such as anxiety-specific medications and therapy.
A thorough assessment with a mental health professional can help distinguish anxiety from other issues and help you create a plan to address your anxiety.
What can generalized anxiety disorder be mistaken for?
Generalized anxiety disorder can be mistaken for a variety of other conditions including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and complicated grief.
The key symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is excessive anxiety and fear in everyday activities, which can lead to physical symptoms. While each of these conditions have their own unique symptoms, they can all be mistaken for generalized anxiety if the patient is not thoroughly evaluated.
Depression can present with similar physical symptoms as generalized anxiety disorder such as insomnia, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, and decreased energy levels. However, depression is marked primarily by feelings of sadness and helplessness, while generalized anxiety disorder is a more frequent and persistent feeling of fear and distress.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can overlap with the physical symptoms of generalized anxiety. However, patients with ADHD typically experience fallout from their lack of attention and impulsivity rather than an internal sense of pervasive worry.
Social anxiety disorder is marked by significant distress in social situations and can often be mistaken for generalized anxiety. The difference between the two is that the worrying in social anxiety is more targeted towards particular situations and is facilitated by fear of embarrassment and judgement.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by overwhelming and intrusive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors. The feeling of fear and inadequacy manifest in patients with OCD is different from the consistent worry and dread associated with generalized anxiety disorder.
Panic disorder is characterized by episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms such as elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and chest pain. It is not characterized by the overall worry and worry expectation associated with other anxiety disorders.
Complicated grief is an intense and prolonged sadness or depression after the death of a loved one. It can be mistaken for generalized anxiety if signs like guilt, anxious anticipation of the future, or preoccupation with the memory of the deceased are misinterpreted.
What causes anxiety symptoms but isn’t anxiety?
Anxiety symptoms can often be caused by physical illnesses and medical conditions, including:
-Heart conditions: Abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack and other medical conditions related to the cardiovascular system can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, sweating and an overall sense of unease that can mimic anxious symptoms.
-Hyperthyroidism: Overactivity of the thyroid gland can cause sleep disturbances, faster-than-normal heart rate, agitation, unwanted weight loss or increased appetite, and difficulty concentrating that can mirror symptoms of anxiety.
-Electrolyte imbalance: Having too much or too little of the minerals sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood can lead to feelings of confusion, lightheadedness, rapid breathing, and palpitations, similar to those seen in panic attacks and anxiety.
-Caffeine: Consuming too much caffeine can cause jitteriness, restlessness, and insomnia, which could be confused with an anxiety disorder
-Medications: Certain drugs like steroids, asthma inhalers, decongestants, and some cold and flu medications can cause anxiety-like symptoms.
-Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Having difficulty adjusting to trauma can result in flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behavior, restlessness, racing heart, and trouble sleeping—all of which could seem similar to some symptoms of general anxiety.
What neurological disorders cause anxiety?
One of the most common is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD can cause people to feel a constant, irrational fear about everyday situations. It can also result in feelings of dread and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating.
Other neurological disorders that can cause anxiety include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. Additionally, certain neurological conditions like Huntington’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of epilepsy are linked to increased rates of anxiety.
Managing the underlying neurological condition is essential for managing the symptoms of anxiety. Other treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, can also be used to help manage anxiety symptoms.
Can a brain tumor be mistaken for anxiety?
It is possible for a brain tumor to be mistaken for anxiety, since some tumor-related symptoms are similar to symptoms of anxiety. Common brain tumor symptoms include headaches, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, fatigue, and seizures.
These symptoms are also associated with anxiety, as well as a number of other conditions. It is important to speak with a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, so they can accurately diagnose you.
Brain tumors can usually be identified through an imaging scan, such as a CT scan, MRI, or PET scan. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to diagnose a brain tumor. If a brain tumor is present, it may require surgery or other treatments depending on its type and severity.
Can anxiety make you feel symptoms that aren’t there?
Yes, anxiety can make you feel physical symptoms that aren’t actually present. This is called somatic symptom disorder, and it can cause symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and even muscle aches and pains.
These physical sensations can be a result of your body’s physical reaction to your increased levels of stress and anxiety, even though there isn’t an underlying physical cause to them. Other symptoms of anxiety can include difficulty breathing, headaches, chest tightness, and a racing heart rate.
Additionally, anxiety can worsen existing physical issues, such as heartburn or stomach pain. It can also contribute to insomnia and fatigue. Treatment for somatic symptom disorder includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, relaxation techniques, stress management, and medication.
Can anxiety symptoms happen for no reason?
Yes, anxiety symptoms can happen for no reason. Anxiety can be a normal and sometimes helpful emotion, but sometimes it can become overwhelming and appear to have no reasonable cause. Anxiety symptoms can be triggered by situations and events that can seem small or even unrelated to the reaction that follows.
Anxiety can sometimes be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, genetic predisposition, traumatic life events, beliefs, or even stress. Additionally, certain health conditions, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), can also lead to unexpected periods of anxiety.
People who have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often experience anxiety symptoms without any apparent cause, and this can interfere with their daily life. In order to manage anxiety, it is important for individuals to seek professional help in order to better understand their triggers and identify their personal resources for managing anxiety.
Can you just have physical symptoms of anxiety?
Yes, you can definitely experience physical symptoms of anxiety. Common physical symptoms of anxiety can include increased heart rate and heart palpitations, chest pains, increased sweating, and breathing difficulties.
You can also experience a sensory overload such as feeling lightheaded or dizzy, visual disturbances, nausea or stomach discomfort. Severe physical symptoms can even include chest pain and a feeling of impending doom.
Aside from those physical symptoms, you can also experience cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, an inability to think, racing thoughts, and intrusive thoughts or worries. Other anxiety-related symptoms can range from head and body aches, fatigue, trembling or shaking, restlessness, hyperventilation, and difficulty sleeping.
It’s also important to note that certain medications and health conditions can cause physical symptoms similar to those triggered by anxiety. It’s always important to consult a physician to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing your physical symptoms.
Can your body feel anxious but not your mind?
Yes, it is possible for one’s body to feel anxious even if the mind isn’t anxious. This phenomenon is often referred to as physical anxiety or somatic anxiety, and is a form of anxiety disorder. Physical anxiety can manifest itself in many ways, such as chest tightness, sweating, a racing heart, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms like these can be experienced even when the mind is relaxed or preoccupied with something else. This can be confusing and frustrating, as the sufferer may not understand why they are feeling anxious.
The cause of physical anxiety is often difficult to identify, however, it may be related to various life stressors, or a past traumatic experience. Some medical conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or other hormonal imbalances can also trigger physical anxiety.
Fortunately, physical anxiety is treatable through a combination of activities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation exercises, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help the individual manage the symptoms of physical anxiety.
Can anxiety be a symptom of something else?
Yes, anxiety can be a symptom of something else. It can be a sign of an underlying medical or mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
It can also be a result of physical health issues such as a thyroid disorder, heart disease, anemia, low blood sugar, hypoglycemia, dehydration, or sleep disturbances. It can be a consequence of interactions with medications, stimulants, alcohol, or illicit drugs.
Anxiety can even be a result of life stressors such as family issues, job changes, financial pressures, or social relationships. It is important to consult your doctor if you are experiencing unexplained or worsening anxiety, as it may be a symptom of something else and can be treated.
What causes unexplained anxiety?
Unexplained anxiety can have multiple causes, both physical and psychological. It is important to distinguish between feeling anxious due to an identified cause, such as an upcoming exam or stressful life event, and anxiety with no obvious cause.
Physical causes can include an inadequate diet or sleep schedule, an imbalance in hormones or neurotransmitters, or a chronic medical condition. It can also be caused by the use of certain medications or recreational drugs.
Additionally, it can indicate a mood disorder such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Psychological causes can include excessive stress or worry about life events, past traumas, unresolved conflicts, or worries about the future. It can also be a form of “learned helplessness” resulting from prolonged exposure to situations where one feels powerless.
It can even occur due to expectations of one’s own performance or expectations of others.
Given all the potential causes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to identify and address the source of your anxiety. Your physician can help you determine the cause and provide you with strategies to manage and reduce your symptoms.
What are the first warning signs of a brain tumor?
The first warning signs of a brain tumor can vary depending on the location, size, and type of tumor. In general, symptoms may include headaches, nausea and vomiting, changes in vision, speech or hearing, balance or coordination issues, fatigue, difficulty thinking or concentrating, changes in personality or behavior, seizures, and changes in sensation.
Headaches are the most common symptom and are typically worse in the morning and when coughing, straining, or exercising. The location of the tumor may also cause symptoms, such as limb weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or problems with hearing or speech.
It is important to be aware of any changes that occur and to make an appointment with a doctor if any of these warning signs persist. Early detection of brain tumors is key to successful treatment.
Do I have anxiety or am I just worried?
Deciding whether you are experiencing anxiety or are just worried can be difficult. It is important to understand the differences between the two, in order to ensure you receive proper treatment if needed.
Anxiety and worry are similar, however, there are distinct differences. For example, anxiety is typically rooted in irrational fears and persists for longer periods of time. Worrying is a response to stress, which is more focused on an upcoming event or situation.
The first step to understanding if you have anxiety or are just worried is to identify the symptoms and their frequency. Common symptoms of anxiety include panic attacks, worries that last for an extended period, restlessness, irritability, changes in concentration, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations or difficulty breathing.
If these symptoms last for a few days or more and are interfering with everyday life, you may have anxiety.
If the situation is more focused on an upcoming event or situation, then it may be that you are just worried. This type of worrying is often more reasonable and is a normal part of life. Worrying about an upcoming exam or interview is natural, and usually passes over a short period of time.
If you are unsure about whether you are experiencing anxiety or just worrying, it may be beneficial to speak to your doctor or mental health professional. They can provide professional insight and may be able to provide treatment or support if necessary.
Is it obvious I have anxiety?
No, it is not necessarily obvious that someone has anxiety. Anxiety is an internal feeling and can manifest differently in different people. For example, some people feel anxious and may show physical signs such as sweating, an increased heart rate, shaking, or nausea.
Other people may not show physical signs, but instead feel an inner sense of unease or worry. They may also struggle with intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping. Everyone has different ways of experiencing anxiety, so it may not always be obvious that someone is feeling anxious.