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People who suffer from anxiety disorders often turn to a psychologist, and the doctor often prescribes medications to help them control their anxiety, as well as psychotherapy.

But what if the root is not psychological? Many health conditions can mimic the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, leading to a misdiagnosis, according to a report from the “Healthline” website.

Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that cause feelings of extreme anxiety, worry and fear.

However, some medical conditions have symptoms similar to anxiety symptoms, for example, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.

As a result, people can have one of these conditions and be misdiagnosed as an anxiety disorder. It is also possible for people to have an anxiety disorder along with one or more of these health conditions.

The site lists 10 health conditions that have symptoms similar to anxiety disorders, according to the following:

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is characterized by a significant increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations, which are also common in anxiety disorders.

Why is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome similar to an anxiety disorder?

Symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fatigue, can be confused with panic attacks or general anxiety.

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST)

IST occurs when the heart rate is abnormally high for no apparent reason. This can lead to a feeling of a racing heart and palpitations.

Why is IST similar to an anxiety disorder?

The main symptom of IST is a rapid heartbeat, which is also a common symptom of anxiety and panic attacks.

IST involves a heart rate that is always high at rest and does not decrease with rest. Holter monitors or electrocardiograms can help differentiate between IST and anxiety-induced tachycardia.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining grows inside the uterus elsewhere in the body, causing pain and potentially causing fertility problems.

Doctors may not only be misdiagnosing endometriosis as an anxiety disorder, but they may also be misdiagnosing it as irritable bowel syndrome or painful menstruation.

Anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions are common among people with endometriosis.

Why is endometriosis similar to an anxiety disorder?

The chronic pain and fatigue associated with endometriosis can lead to increased stress and anxiety-like symptoms.

Symptoms of endometriosis are often related to the menstrual cycle and can include severe pelvic pain, heavy menstruation, and pain during intercourse. Diagnosis usually involves pelvic exams and imaging studies.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.

Anxiety disorders are also common among people with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Why is PCOS similar to an anxiety disorder?

Hormonal imbalances can lead to mood changes, fatigue, and irritability, which are common in anxiety disorders.

An important feature of PCOS is higher than normal levels of testosterone, which can be determined through a blood test. Other symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of conditions that involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Why is inflammatory bowel disease similar to an anxiety disorder?

Symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramps and fatigue, can cause severe stress and anxiety. Stomach pain can also be a sign of anxiety.

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease often include persistent diarrhea, blood in the stool, and weight loss. To diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, a healthcare professional may order a colonoscopy and imaging studies.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, which speeds up the body’s metabolism.

Why is anxiety similar?

Symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and sweating, can be mistaken for anxiety. Hyperthyroidism often presents with physical symptoms, such as tremors, unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance, and an enlarged thyroid. Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels are essential for diagnosis.

Adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency, including Addison’s disease, is when the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, especially cortisol.

Why is adrenal insufficiency similar to an anxiety disorder?

Symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure, can mimic anxiety and panic attacks.

Adrenal insufficiency can cause obesity, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Doctors use blood tests to measure cortisol and corticosteroid levels to diagnose the condition.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Also known as bacterio infection, it is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, leading to severe, chronic pain and difficulty.

Why is ankylosing spondylitis similar to an anxiety disorder?

The chronic pain and fatigue associated with ankylosing spondylitis can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis usually include back pain and stiffness that improves with exercise and worsens with rest.

Imaging studies and genetic testing—called HLA-B27—can help your healthcare professional diagnose you with ankylosing spondylitis.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted through second bites. It can get worse over time, especially if left untreated or unmanaged.

Why is Lyme disease similar to an anxiety disorder?

Many symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fatigue, headaches, and cognitive problems, including lack of concentration or “brain fog,” can be mistaken for anxiety or depression.

Feeling irritable and anxious is common among people with Lyme disease.

Lyme disease often has a typical bull’s eye infection, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Blood tests for antibodies to Lyme disease can confirm the diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.

Why is fibromyalgia similar to an anxiety disorder?

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 can also lead to fibromyalgia and anxiety disorders.

Fibromyalgia often affects specific sensitive points in the body, as well as causing symptoms, such as sleep disturbances and cognitive problems. To diagnose someone with fibromyalgia, a healthcare professional will usually rule out other causes and use specific criteria to assess your pain levels.