10 Physical Symptoms of Anxiety That People Mistake for Other Illnesses

Anxiety doesn't always show up as worry or nervousness. For a lot of people, it arrives first in the body, and because the physical symptoms can look so much like other medical conditions, anxiety often goes unrecognised for far longer than it should.

Here are 10 physical symptoms of anxiety that people mistake for other illnesses, as shared by Dr Chandni Tugnait, Psychotherapist, Founder and Director of Gateway of Healing.

1. Racing Heart

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a suddenly fast or pounding heartbeat is one of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety, and also one of the most alarming. It's easy to assume something is wrong with your heart, but anxiety activates the nervous system in a way that directly affects heart rate.

2. Shortness of Breath

Anxiety can make breathing feel effortful or shallow, sometimes creating the sensation that you can't get enough air.

“As a clinician, I have seen a lot of patients who often mistake anxiety for asthma or a respiratory problem, especially when it comes on suddenly,” shares Dr Tugnait.

3. Chest Tightness

A heavy or constricted feeling in the chest is another symptom that frequently sends people to a cardiologist first. In the absence of any cardiac issue, chronic chest tightness is often anxiety expressing itself physically.

"I advise patients that although anxiety is a common cause of chest discomfort, it is a diagnosis of exclusion that requires a thorough cardiac workup to ensure patient safety," suggests Dr Tugnait

4. Digestive Problems

The gut and the nervous system are closely connected, which is why anxiety so often shows up as nausea, bloating, stomach cramps, or an unsettled digestive system. Many people spend years managing a gut condition that is actually being driven largely by anxiety. In short, anxiety can trigger stomach issues.

5. Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or unsteady, particularly in stressful situations, is a very common anxiety symptom that gets attributed to everything from low blood pressure to inner ear problems, according to a study published in the journal ‘Life’.

6. Headaches

Tension headaches that sit across the forehead or at the back of the neck are frequently linked to anxiety, particularly the kind of chronic, low-level anxiety that keeps the body in a state of constant mild tension.

7. Muscle Tension and Pain

Anxiety keeps the muscles in a state of readiness for longer than they're designed to sustain, which leads to persistent aching, stiffness, and soreness, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and jaw.

8. Fatigue

"Running a stress response continuously is genuinely exhausting, and a lot of people with anxiety feel tired in a way that sleep doesn't fully fix. This often gets mistaken for thyroid issues or anaemia," shares Dr Tugnait.

9. Sweating

Unexplained sweating, particularly on the palms or face, is a direct physical response to anxiety that can feel embarrassing and confusing when there's no obvious reason for it.

10. Tingling or numbness

That prickling or tingling feeling in the hands, feet, or face is something a lot of people with anxiety experience, but very few connect it to anxiety itself. It happens because of shifts in breathing and circulation during a stress response, but it feels strange enough that most people's first instinct is to worry about a nerve problem or something neurological.

When To See a Doctor

If you experience these symptoms, it is better to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. If it is due to anxiety, you must undergo a clinical course for anxiety management. While the right treatment may vary as per the case, it might include:

• Medicines to ease symptoms
• Anti-anxiety medicines to manage anxiety attacks
• Mindfulness techniques
• Alternative therapies for anxiety relief

NOTE: It is important not to ignore the symptoms if you experience them frequently.

Final Word

According to data published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, around 11.5% of adults in the US suffer from anxiety symptoms but do not recognise them. This shows that a majority of people do not know they have anxiety unless symptoms worsen and they see a doctor. Therefore, it is crucial not to ignore any issue that might be indicative of anxiety. This helps in managing the symptoms and condition.

If you feel stressed, anxious, or require mental health support, you can reach out to Tele MANAS (an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) by dialing their toll-free number 18008914416.