Feeling anxious? You might be dealing with something completely different.
These physical health conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety disorders, and it could be preventing you from getting the right treatment.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
POTS is marked by a sudden spike in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing.
Symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and heart palpitations are often confused with panic attacks.
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However, POTS symptoms are directly triggered by changes in posture and often include fainting or near-fainting episodes.
A tilt table test can help confirm the diagnosis.
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST)
IST causes an abnormally high heart rate without an identifiable reason.
The racing heartbeat feels a lot like anxiety, but unlike anxiety, IST doesn’t go away with rest or relaxation.
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Doctors often use a Holter monitor or ECG to detect this persistent heart rhythm abnormality.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Chronic pelvic pain and fatigue can trigger anxiety-like symptoms and emotional distress.
Many people are misdiagnosed with IBS or just told they have “painful periods.” The symptoms often follow the menstrual cycle and require imaging and pelvic exams for diagnosis.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder involving enlarged ovaries and small cysts.
Hormonal imbalances can cause mood swings, fatigue, and irritability, all of which resemble anxiety.
But PCOS also includes tell-tale physical signs like irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.
Blood tests showing elevated testosterone levels are key to identifying PCOS.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Abdominal pain, cramping, and fatigue can mimic anxiety, and the emotional toll of dealing with IBD can intensify this.
However, chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss are hallmark symptoms. Colonoscopies and imaging are used to confirm diagnosis.
Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid speeds up metabolism and causes symptoms like nervousness, sweating, and a racing heart, classic signs of anxiety.
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But hyperthyroidism often brings other red flags like tremors, weight loss, and a swollen thyroid gland (goiter).
Simple blood tests for thyroid hormone levels can confirm the condition.
Adrenal insufficiency
When the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol, it can result in fatigue, low blood pressure, and muscle weakness, symptoms that look a lot like panic attacks.
Unlike anxiety, adrenal insufficiency may also cause salt cravings, unintentional weight loss, and darkening of the skin.
Blood tests for cortisol and ACTH help confirm the diagnosis.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
AS is a type of arthritis affecting the spine, causing stiffness and chronic pain. This physical discomfort can cause emotional stress and feelings of anxiety.
One key difference is that AS symptoms tend to improve with movement and worsen with rest. Diagnosis often involves imaging and genetic testing (HLA-B27).
Lyme disease
Caused by tick bites, Lyme disease can go undetected for months. Symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and brain fog can easily be mistaken for anxiety or depression.
Some people with Lyme also report irritability and mood swings. A bull’s-eye rash and joint pain are more specific to Lyme.
Blood tests for Lyme antibodies can confirm the infection.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, including memory problems and sleep disturbances.
These can resemble, and even trigger, anxiety. But fibromyalgia also includes specific “tender points” and is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions and following set clinical criteria.
This article is based on information from Healthline.com.