Medical Conditions That Mimic Anxiety: POTS, PCOS, and More
Many medical conditions can mimic anxiety disorder symptoms, leading to a potential misdiagnosis.
Anxiety is a feeling of intense worry, nervousness, and fear. Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions.
Certain medical conditions have similar symptoms to that of anxiety, for example, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.
As a result, it’s possible to have one of these conditions and have it misdiagnosed as an anxiety disorder. It’s also possible to have an anxiety disorder along with one or more of these health conditions.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
An excessive increase in the heart rate when moving from lying down to standing up characterizes POTS. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and palpitations, which are also common in anxiety disorders.
Why POTS mimics anxiety: Symptoms, like a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fatigue, can be mistaken for panic attacks or generalized anxiety.
Differentiating features: Changes in posture specifically trigger symptoms of POTS, and fainting or near-fainting episodes often accompany them. A tilt table test can help diagnose POTS.
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST)
IST occurs when the heart rate is abnormally high without a clear cause. This can lead to sensations of a racing heart and palpitations.
Why IST mimics anxiety: The primary symptom of IST is a rapid heartbeat, which is also a common symptom of anxiety and panic attacks.
Differentiating features: IST involves a persistently high resting heart rate that doesn’t decrease with rest. Holter monitors or ECGs can help distinguish IST from anxiety-induced tachycardia.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, causing pain and may lead to fertility issues.
Doctors may not only misdiagnose endometriosis as anxiety, but they may also mistake it for irritable bowel syndrome or heavy, painful periods. Anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions are common among people with endometriosis.
Why endometriosis mimics anxiety: Chronic pain and fatigue associated with endometriosis can lead to increased stress and anxiety-like symptoms.
Differentiating features: Endometriosis symptoms are often related to the menstrual cycle and can include severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, and pain during intercourse. A diagnosis typically involves pelvic exams and imaging studies.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
Anxiety disorders are also common among people with PCOS.
Why PCOS mimics anxiety: Hormonal imbalances can lead to mood changes, fatigue, and irritability, which are common in anxiety disorders.
Differentiating features: An important characteristic of PCOS is higher-than-usual testosterone levels, which can be determined via a blood test. Other PCOS symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is a group of conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Why IBD mimics anxiety: Symptoms, like abdominal pain, cramping, and fatigue, can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Stomach pain can also be a symptom of anxiety.
Differentiating features: IBD symptoms often include chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool, and weight loss. To diagnose IBD, a healthcare professional may order a colonoscopy and imaging studies.
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Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, accelerating the body’s metabolism.
Why it mimics anxiety: Symptoms, like a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, and sweating, can be mistaken for anxiety.
Differentiating features: Hyperthyroidism often presents with physical symptoms, like tremors, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance, and goiter — enlargement of the thyroid gland. Blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels are crucial for diagnosis.
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency, including Addison’s disease, is when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, particularly cortisol.
Why adrenal insufficiency mimics anxiety: Symptoms, like fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure, can resemble those of anxiety and panic attacks.
Differentiating features: Adrenal insufficiency can cause salt cravings, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin. Doctors use blood tests to measure cortisol and ACTH levels for diagnosis.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Also called Bechterew’s disease, AS is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, leading to severe, chronic pain and stiffness.
Why AS mimics anxiety: The chronic pain and fatigue associated with AS can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.
Differentiating features: AS symptoms typically include back pain and stiffness that improves with exercise and worsens with rest. Imaging studies and genetic tests — known as HLA-B27 — can help a healthcare professional diagnose you with AS.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s transmitted through tick bites. Lyme disease can get progressively worse over time, especially if left untreated and unmanaged.
Why Lyme disease mimics anxiety: Many symptoms of Lyme disease, like fatigue, headaches, and cognitive difficulties, including a lack of concentration or “brain fog,” can be mistaken for anxiety or depression. Feelings of irritability and anxiety are common among people with Lyme disease.
Differentiating features: Lyme disease often has a characteristic bull’s-eye rash, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Blood tests for Lyme antibodies can confirm the diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, and widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas characterize it.
Why fibromyalgia mimics anxiety: The chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can lead to significant stress and anxiety. In fact, anxiety and depression are common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Traumatic events may also trigger fibromyalgia, as they can anxiety disorders.
Differentiating features: Fibromyalgia often affects specific, tender points on the body, as well as causing symptoms, like sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. To diagnose someone with fibromyalgia, a healthcare professional will usually rule out other causes and use specific criteria to assess your pain levels.
What is POTS and how can it mimic anxiety symptoms?
POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow). It can mimic anxiety by causing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and faintness, particularly when standing up.
How can PCOS cause anxiety-like symptoms?
PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and irritability, which are similar to anxiety.
Are there other medical conditions that can mimic anxiety?
Yes, conditions such as hyperthyroidism, adrenal gland disorders, and heart conditions can also present symptoms that mimic anxiety, like palpitations, sweating, and nervousness.
Why is it important to differentiate between anxiety and other medical conditions?
It is important because the treatment for anxiety and these medical conditions is different. Proper diagnosis ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment and management for your condition.
What should I do if I suspect a medical condition is causing my anxiety symptoms?
You should consult a healthcare professional to evaluate your symptoms. They can conduct tests to rule out or diagnose any underlying medical conditions that may be causing anxiety-like symptoms.
Can lifestyle changes help in managing conditions that mimic anxiety?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being for conditions like POTS and PCOS.
Is medication necessary to treat conditions that mimic anxiety?
Treatment varies based on the condition. Some conditions may require medication, while others might be managed through lifestyle changes or other therapies. Always follow a healthcare professional’s guidance.
How can I differentiate between anxiety and other medical conditions at home?
While some symptoms overlap, paying attention to triggers and patterns can help. However, only a healthcare provider can offer a definitive diagnosis through proper evaluation and testing.
Are women more likely to experience medical conditions that mimic anxiety?
Certain conditions like PCOS are specific to women, while others, like POTS, can be more prevalent in women. It’s crucial for anyone with symptoms resembling anxiety to seek medical advice, regardless of gender.
Can stress exacerbate medical conditions that mimic anxiety?
Yes, stress can worsen symptoms of both anxiety and other medical conditions, making it vital to incorporate stress-reduction techniques into daily life.
The bottom line
If you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder but suspect a different condition may be at play, it may be a good idea to seek a second opinion.
No matter what condition, or conditions, you may have, proper diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life. The correct diagnosis can be the first step in feeling better.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
This is an insightful read! It’s so important to raise awareness about how medical conditions like POTS and PCOS can present symptoms similar to anxiety. Many people might not realize their anxiety-like symptoms could be linked to a different underlying health issue, leading to proper diagnosis and treatment being delayed. Articles like this play a crucial role in educating both patients and healthcare providers to consider all possibilities when addressing anxiety symptoms.
This article is incredibly informative! It’s eye-opening to see how medical conditions like POTS and PCOS can have symptoms similar to anxiety. It’s important for people to be aware of these overlaps because it could really impact how someone approaches their treatment and understands their health. Thank you for shedding light on this!
This is such an informative post! It’s really important to highlight how various medical conditions can have overlapping symptoms with anxiety, as it can lead to better diagnosis and treatment plans. POTS and PCOS are often misunderstood, and raising awareness can help people seek the right medical advice. Thanks for shedding light on this topic!
This is such an insightful post! It’s important to recognize that symptoms of anxiety can sometimes be linked to underlying medical conditions like POTS and PCOS. Understanding these connections can lead to more effective treatment and management. Thanks for shedding light on this crucial topic!