Medical Reasons for Anxiety

Although anxiety disorders have a variety of causes, there are a number of medical conditions that can worsen an anxiety disorder or in some cases cause anxiety or panic-attack like symptoms.

Heart Conditions

• Because panic attacks and other symptoms of an anxiety disorder often include chest pain, racing heart beat and dizziness, many people who report experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack or other cardiovascular condition are often experiencing a panic attack.

Respiratory Conditions

• Calmclinic.com reports that respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema and pulmonary embolism can often increase the sense of anxiety in someone also suffering a panic attack or anxiety disorder.

Neurological Conditions

• Seizure disorders and encephalopathy (a condition characterized by abnormal brain functioning) can trigger an anxiety attack and in some cases produce similar symptoms of an anxiety attack.

Medications

• The University of Maryland Medical Center website states that anxiety disorders and panic attack like symptoms can be brought about by over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Stimulants

• Caffeine has long been shown to produce anxiety attack like symptoms such as nervousness, fidgeting and feeling jittery, increased heart rate, sweating and dizziness.