Yes. Anxiety can cause palpitations, sweating, trembling, breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, nausea, tingling, muscle tension and sleep disturbance. These symptoms are real. However, similar symptoms can also occur with heart, respiratory, thyroid, neurological, medication-related and other medical conditions, so a first or unusually severe episode may need medical assessment.
Why anxiety affects the body
The body’s threat system changes breathing, heart rate, muscle tension and attention. During panic, these changes can feel sudden and frightening, sometimes creating a cycle in which fear of the sensations intensifies them.
When should physical causes be checked?
Do not diagnose every episode as anxiety without considering the context, medical history and examination.
- First-time or severe chest pain
- Fainting, collapse or a seizure
- Persistent breathlessness or low oxygen levels
- Symptoms beginning after a new medicine or substance
- New neurological symptoms, fever or marked confusion
- A significant heart, lung, thyroid or other medical condition
When does psychiatric assessment help?
Assessment is useful when repeated fear or physical symptoms continue despite appropriate medical reassurance, lead to avoidance, disturb sleep or work, or cause persistent worry about another attack. Treatment depends on the pattern and may include psychological therapy, medication or both.
What to do during an emergency
Severe chest pain, collapse, a seizure, sudden weakness, severe breathing difficulty or confusion requires urgent medical care. A routine psychiatric appointment should not delay emergency assessment.