When Health Issues Masquerade as Anxiety: Recognizing the Overlap

You wake up with a racing heart, a little short of breath, and maybe even a strange sense of unease. It must be anxiety, right? That’s the usual diagnosis in today’s hyper-connected, stress-laden world. But what if it’s not? What if your body is trying to tell you something else entirely—something more physical than mental?

‍

It turns out that plenty of legitimate medical conditions can masquerade as anxiety, sending people down a path of therapy and medication while an underlying health issue quietly goes unchecked. Misdiagnosis isn’t just frustrating—it can mean delayed treatment for something that actually needs a doctor’s attention. So, how do you tell the difference? Let’s break it down.

‍

Medical Conditions That Mimic Anxiety

If you’ve ever had a doctor (or even a well-meaning friend) suggest that your physical symptoms are “just anxiety,” you’re not alone. Millions of people experience racing hearts, dizziness, shortness of breath, or unexplained nervousness, only to be handed a prescription for anti-anxiety medication or told to “stress less.” But what if the problem isn’t psychological at all?

‍

The truth is that many medical conditions can create symptoms that look and feel like anxiety. And while stress and anxiety are real issues that deserve attention, it’s just as important to rule out other potential causes before jumping to conclusions. After all, treating the wrong problem won’t make the right one go away. Here are some of the most common medical conditions that are often mistaken for anxiety disorders:

‍

Hyperthyroidism: When Your Thyroid is in Overdrive

Your thyroid is a small gland with a big job: regulating your metabolism. But when it’s overactive (a condition called hyperthyroidism), your body goes into overdrive, too. Symptoms like a racing heart, excessive sweating, tremors, and restlessness are classic signs of both hyperthyroidism and anxiety, making it easy to confuse the two. If your anxiety feels strangely physical, it might be worth checking your thyroid hormone levels.

‍

Cardiac Arrhythmias: When Your Heart Sends Mixed Signals

A fluttering heart can make anyone feel anxious. But if that sensation comes out of nowhere—accompanied by dizziness or chest discomfort—it could be a sign of a cardiac arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, can create palpitations and a sense of impending doom that feel eerily similar to panic attacks. The difference? Anxiety attacks are often triggered by stress, while arrhythmias can strike unpredictably.

‍

Asthma: Shortness of Breath or Something More?

Shortness of breath is a hallmark of both anxiety and asthma, but the underlying causes couldn’t be more different. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation stems from rapid, shallow breathing, while asthma is a lung condition that physically restricts airflow. If you frequently experience breathlessness, wheezing, or tightness in your chest—especially during exercise or in response to allergens—it might be time to see a specialist.

‍

Diabetes: Blood Sugar Swings That Feel Like Panic

Ever felt shaky, lightheaded, or drenched in sweat for no apparent reason? If so, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) could be to blame. When blood sugar drops too low, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline to bring it back up—causing jitters, sweating, dizziness, and confusion. These symptoms mimic a panic attack, but unlike anxiety, they resolve after eating something with sugar.

‍

Pheochromocytoma: The Rare but Real Adrenal Tumor

Most people have never heard of pheochromocytomas, but these rare adrenal tumors can release excess stress hormones, creating an overwhelming sense of anxiety, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and sweating. Unlike typical anxiety, these episodes often happen randomly, without a clear trigger, and can be severe enough to land people in the emergency room. Because this condition is so rare, it’s often overlooked—but if your anxiety symptoms seem extreme or unexplainable, it’s worth asking your doctor about adrenal function testing.

‍

Your mental health matters—but so does making sure your symptoms aren’t caused by something else. If you’re experiencing anxiety-like symptoms that don’t seem to match your stress levels, or if traditional anxiety treatments aren’t helping, it may be time to dig deeper. A thorough medical evaluation can help rule out underlying conditions, giving you a clearer picture of what’s really going on with your health.

‍

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis

Misinterpreting medical conditions such as anxiety can lead to delayed treatment and worsening health outcomes. For instance, attributing heart palpitations solely to anxiety might overlook an underlying cardiac issue. A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential to distinguish between anxiety disorders and other health conditions presenting with similar symptoms.

‍

Patients can play a proactive role in their healthcare to ensure accurate diagnoses:

‍

Detailed Symptom Tracking: Maintain a journal noting the onset, duration, and triggers of symptoms. This information can aid healthcare providers in identifying patterns that differentiate between anxiety and other medical conditions.

Advocate for Comprehensive Testing: If symptoms persist despite standard anxiety treatments, request further medical evaluations to rule out other potential causes.

Seek Second Opinions: If uncertain about a diagnosis, consulting another healthcare professional can provide additional perspectives and ensure that no underlying conditions are missed.

‍

Conclusion

While anxiety disorders are prevalent, it's important to recognize that various medical conditions can present with similar symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. By staying informed and actively participating in their healthcare, patients can ensure they receive appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

‍

Sources

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic

TIME

‍