Can anxiety cause physical symptoms, and how are other causes checked?
Anxiety can involve palpitations, sweating, muscle tension, stomach symptoms, dizziness and sleep problems; these symptoms are real. Anxiety does not rule out physical illness or prove a psychological cause for every symptom. New or severe symptoms require appropriate assessment.
Details
How assessment works
A clinician reviews onset, duration, triggers, medicines, caffeine and sleep, with examination and targeted tests where indicated. Endless repeat testing is not always helpful, but a changed symptom pattern deserves review.
Do not automatically attribute warning signs to anxiety
New or severe chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or sudden limb weakness requires urgent care. A previous panic attack does not exclude another cause next time.
Treat both aspects
When an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, psychotherapy, medication where appropriate, sleep routines and reduced stimulant intake may help. Anxiety can coexist with chronic disease and affect coping. Address both without dismissing symptoms or implying inevitable physical illness.
Related reading: Is online psychotherapy effective, and how do I choose a service?.