11 Conditions We Often Confused with Anxiety
Anxiety, in its various forms, is something most people can relate to. We've all felt anxious at some point, that knot in your stomach before a big life event or the jitters before a first date. But what happens when that anxiety feels relentless, when it starts impacting your daily life? It's easy to assume it's just anxiety, especially when the symptoms are so common – racing heart, trouble sleeping, feeling exhausted.
Sometimes, the symptoms that seem to point squarely to an anxiety disorder can actually be a sign of something else entirely. Certain medical conditions mimic the symptoms of anxiety so closely that they’re often misdiagnosed.
Identifying the medical conditions that mimic anxiety symptoms is essential to receiving the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we’ll explore 11 medical conditions that are often confused with anxiety, helping you better understand what might really be going on with your health.
1. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
POTS is a disorder that affects the
autonomic nervous system, known as dysautonomia. It causes the heart
rate to rise quickly (tachycardia) upon standing, and may also lead to a
drop in blood pressure. The fast heartbeat, combined with symptoms such
as dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and
issues with temperature control (which can cause sweating or shivering),
can lead some doctors to mistakenly diagnose it as anxiety.
2. Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia (IST)
IST refers to a condition where the heart
beats at an unusually fast rate without an identifiable cause. This
often results in feelings of a pounding heart or noticeable
palpitations.
The most obvious sign of IST is a fast heart rate, which is also a
typical symptom of anxiety and panic attacks. This overlap in symptoms
can make it tricky to determine the true cause of a fast heartbeat.
In IST, the heart rate remains elevated even when the person is resting,
unlike anxiety-induced fast heartbeats that usually slow down with
relaxation. Holter monitors or ECG tests can help differentiate IST from
anxiety-driven tachycardia.
3. Endometriosis
If a woman's pain doesn't have an obvious
cause or isn't something that's easy to see, it's sadly common for
doctors to think it's caused by anxiety. Endometriosis, where tissue
similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, isn't always
well-known among doctors. This means that if a woman has pelvic pain and
a doctor can't find a reason for it right away, she may be told that
it's anxiety. This can happen even when there's a real medical reason
for the pain, such as endometriosis.
4. Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause blood sugar
levels to rise and fall quickly, leading to symptoms such as trembling,
sweating, and a fast heartbeat. These symptoms, along with headaches
and nausea, are sometimes mistaken for anxiety. If you frequently feel
very hungry or thirsty, feel tired, or notice you’re urinating more than
usual, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Other signs to watch
for include weight loss, blurry vision, dry skin, or slow-healing sores.
You may need to get your blood sugar checked.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Hormonal imbalances can mimic anxiety
symptoms. For instance, if the thyroid gland is overactive, it produces
excess thyroid hormone, which can boost your metabolism and result in
feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and a rapid heartbeat. This
condition can also lead to sleep issues and irritability, which are
often associated with anxiety.
A serious thyroid condition called a "thyroid storm" can feel very much
like a panic attack. Watch out for unexpected weight loss and increased
sensitivity to warmth, both of which can be clues that your thyroid is
overactive.
6. Adrenal Insufficiency
Cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal
glands, and when these glands aren’t functioning properly, it leads to
adrenal insufficiency, or Addison’s disease. Low levels of cortisol can
lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, so some patients may
genuinely experience anxiety. Doctors need to conduct additional tests
to determine if the issue is related to hormone levels rather than a
mental health condition.
7. Lyme disease
People with Lyme disease, much like those
with endometriosis, might be labeled as having anxiety because their
condition isn’t easily diagnosed. There’s ongoing uncertainty in the
medical community regarding chronic Lyme disease, and since the tests
can be unreliable, patients are often told that their symptoms are just
“in your head” when doctors can’t find an alternative explanation.
8. Electrolyte Imbalance
When your electrolyte levels, like sodium
or potassium, are too high or too low, it can trigger anxiety or
panic-like feelings. Symptoms can include shortness of breath,
confusion, and a fast heart rate. You might also notice irritability,
dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or nausea. Electrolyte imbalances can
result from a range of factors, such as excessive or insufficient water
intake, unhealthy eating, chemotherapy, specific medications, or
problems with the heart, kidneys, or liver.
9. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness that
causes pain in muscles and joints all over the body, along with fatigue
and tenderness in specific spots. The persistent pain and tiredness that
come with fibromyalgia can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Anxiety
and depression are frequent among those with fibromyalgia, and traumatic
events can sometimes trigger the condition, just as they can with
anxiety disorders.
Fibromyalgia often affects specific, sensitive spots on the body and
also causes other symptoms like trouble sleeping and difficulty thinking
clearly. To diagnose fibromyalgia, a doctor will check for other
possible causes and use specific guidelines to assess your pain levels.
10. Neurological conditions
Many brain disorders can mimic anxiety as
they can cause symptoms like headaches, memory issues, and tremors. They
can also induce feelings of anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, and difficulty
breathing. If you have a family history of neurological conditions like
Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or multiple sclerosis, it's a good idea to
talk to your doctor.
11. Heart Problems
Heart issues can make your heart race and
affect your breathing just like anxiety can. Panic attacks and heart
attacks often share the same symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain,
and difficulty breathing. They can also lead to sweating, nausea, and a
sense of fear. Distinguishing between the two can be tough without
proper tests. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you
haven't had panic attacks before, it's best to head to the ER
immediately.
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