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.
Related: 7 Vitamins and Supplements to Help With Anxiety
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related: 7 Exercises That Are Effective for Controlling Diabetes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Related: Suffer From Anxiety? Use This Technique to Calm Down
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.
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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