10 health conditions that are often confused with anxiety

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Many medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of anxiety disorders, which often leads to an incorrect diagnosis.

Anxiety describes an intense feeling of worry, nervousness, and fear. Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems, but there are several physical conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as:

- Rapid heartbeat;

-Difficulty breathing;

-Fatigue;

-Dizziness.

So, it is possible for someone to have one of the conditions below and be misdiagnosed with anxiety. It is also possible for anxiety to coexist with these illnesses.

1. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

A sudden increase in heart rate when going from a lying position to standing.

How it mimics anxiety: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue; often looks like panic attacks.

How it differs from anxiety: Symptoms are specifically triggered by changing body position.

2. Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST)

The heart beats faster than usual, for no apparent reason.

How it mimics anxiety: rapid heartbeat is a common symptom.

How it differs from anxiety: the heart beats fast even at rest. 

3. Endometriosis

Tissue similar to that of the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and fertility problems.

How it mimics anxiety: Chronic pain and fatigue can cause stress and anxiety symptoms.

How it differs from anxiety: symptoms are related to the menstrual cycle; severe pain, heavy cycles, pain during intercourse. 

4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Hormonal disorder with large ovaries and cysts on the surface.

How it mimics anxiety: hormonal imbalances cause mood swings, fatigue, and irritability.

How it differs from anxiety: PCOS causes high testosterone levels (blood test), irregular cycles, hair growth, acne, and weight gain.

5. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

How it mimics anxiety: stomach aches and fatigue that trigger stress.

How it differs from anxiety: chronic diarrhea, blood in stool, weight loss.

6. Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone.

How it mimics anxiety: heart palpitations, sweating, nervousness.

How it differs from anxiety: Tremors, unexplained weight loss, sensitivity to heat, enlarged thyroid. 

7. Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's)

The adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones like cortisol.

How it mimics anxiety:  fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure.

How it differs from anxiety:  salt cravings, weight loss, skin darkening (hyperpigmentation). 

8. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

A form of arthritis that affects the back, causing chronic pain and stiffness.

How it mimics anxiety: constant pain and fatigue trigger anxiety.

How it differs from anxiety:  the pain improves with activity, worsens at rest.

9. Lyme disease

Bacterial infection from a tick bite.

How it mimics anxiety: fatigue, headaches, "brain fog", difficulty concentrating.

How it differs from anxiety:  appearance of the typical "bull's eye" rash, joint pain, flu symptoms. 

10. Fibromyalgia

Chronic condition with general muscle pain and fatigue.

How it mimics anxiety:  pain and fatigue bring high stress and anxiety.

How it differs from anxiety:  touching sensitive points on the body, sleep disorders, mental difficulties.

^{Source: Healthline}