What Health Conditions Cause Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease characterized by feelings of tension and worried thoughts. Anxiety may occur on its own. It is such a common psychiatric problem in the U.S it affects more than 20 million people every year. It may also coexist with other medical conditions, but certain health conditions could be the primary cause of anxiety. You should suspect an underlying health condition if you haven’t suffered from anxiety in the past and the current episode came on recently and rapidly. Here are some health conditions that may cause anxiety.

Tumors

A tumor is a swelling of a part of the body caused by abnormal growth of tissue when cells multiply more than they should. A tumor of the adrenal gland for example produces excess adrenaline which is known to cause symptoms of anxiety including headache. In addition to anxiety, a dysfunction of the adrenal gland may include, fatigue, disorientation, fast heart rate and trouble concentrating. Doctors can help determine the primary cause of the problem.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances can also cause anxiety symptoms. For example, an overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Excessive amounts of thyroid hormone in the system increases the rate of metabolism, a fast heart beat and restlessness. In addition, there may be increased sensitivity to heat and unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms in addition to anxiety, consult a physician who can help assess the function of your thyroid gland. Diabetes is a condition caused by inadequate production of insulin in the body. An individual with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes may present with sweating, blurred vision, anxiety and confusion.

Nervous system disorders

Many disorders of the nervous system present with anxiety in addition to other symptoms which characterise the disorder. A medical condition like Alzheimer’s is often associated with anxiety in addition to memory problems. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder characterised by tremors and some degree of anxiety.

Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolyte imbalance can occur when you lose large amounts of body fluids. Low sodium level in the body called hyponatremia is a common sequelae of fluid loss.  Fluid loss can result from persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, sweating or high fever. Not drinking or eating enough and some chronic respiratory problems such as emphysema may also lead to electrolyte imbalance. Certain medical therapies disrupt the electrolyte balance and long term exposure to organophosphate insecticides may cause anxiety and restlessness.

Nutritional causes

Deficiency of vitamin B12 may arise from malabsorption in the gut or following gastric bypass surgery. Anxiety is a symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. Excessive intake of caffeine in coffee, energy drinks and boosters may provoke anxiety especially if it is habitual.

Infections

An infectious disease such as Lyme disease can trigger anxiety symptoms if left untreated and it spreads to the nervous system. Lyme disease is caused by tick bite and it is characterised by a skin rash, headache, fever and fatigue.

Final thoughts

Many health conditions present with anxiety in addition to other symptoms which may be directly attributed to that condition. If you haven’t suffered from anxiety in the past and the current episode came on recently and rapidly, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will evaluate your condition and determine if there is an underlying medical condition which has triggered the state of anxiety.