3 Medical Conditions That Can Mimic Anxiety

Certain health issues can cause physical symptoms that may appear psychiatric.

Posted May 11, 2026 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders and can be debilitating. However, sometimes, anxiety is not psychiatric issue, but a clue to an underlying medical condition.

Which medical conditions might mimic anxiety or cause anxiety, and why? Here are a few examples:

Hyperthyroidism is a state of excess thyroid hormones . In hyperthyroidism, an increased rate of metabolism leads to the speeding up of various bodily functions. Racing heart, frequent bowel movements, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, and tremors or shaking are among the manifestations. It is important to detect hyperthyroidism, especially because cardiac, osteoporotic, and other complications can occur if it remains untreated for prolonged periods of time.

Anxiety can be an early effect of hypoglycemia or low blood glucose. 1 Hypoglycemia can occur in people who have diabetes as well as in people who don’t. Given that hypoglycemia can be life-threatening, the body perceives it as a threat, triggering adrenaline and cortisol release; this can lead to symptoms that can feel similar to anxiety, such as shakiness, panic, sweating, and a racing heart. 2,3 When hypoglycemia occurs repeatedly or is severe, it could lead to brain changes 4,5 and cognitive decline . 6

Pheochromocytoma is a rare condition caused by an often treatable, usually benign, tumor of the adrenal glands, which leads to excess adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body. It can result in high blood pressure, sweating, headaches, fast heartbeat, shakiness, and weight loss─all symptoms that can mimic anxiety and panic attacks. 7 Like other rare diseases, it can escape detection, especially because the likelihood of occurrence is low.

This is not an exhaustive list. These examples illustrate how closely interconnected physical and mental health are. They also serve as a reminder not to assume the cause of symptoms. Diseases, and the human body, are complex. Similar symptoms can be caused by several conditions, so do not self-diagnose. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider for a consultation.

Anxiety symptoms can sometimes be medication -induced, too. Fast heart rate, restlessness, jitteriness, and anxiety can occur due to certain medications: For example, excess thyroid hormone replacement, prolonged use of corticosteroids 8 , over-the-counter decongestants such as pseudoephedrine 9 , and others. However, not everyone taking these medications experiences these symptoms, so do not make medication changes on your own. Stopping certain medications suddenly can be dangerous. Everyone’s situation is unique, and any medication changes or adjustments should only be made in consultation with your clinician, weighing the risks, benefits, and side effects based on your individual clinical situation.

Anxiety can sometimes be a symptom, not the disease itself. It is often helpful to try to understand the factors that are causing it. Multiple causes can co-exist at the same time.

For example, a person who has hyperthyroidism-induced anxiety may also be experiencing life stressors that contribute to worry, such as layoffs at their company. Being bullied in childhood may be contributing to their chronic sense of inadequacy, which in turn can lead to worry about job loss; their two cups of coffee a day may be perpetuating anxiety symptoms further. This is just a hypothetical example.

Sometimes, the presence of life-stressors can make symptoms appear purely psychiatric and mask underlying medical conditions. The interplay between physical systems and mental state can be complex. Keeping medical conditions on the radar can help prevent diagnostic delays.

This doesn’t mean everyone who has anxiety has an underlying medical condition causing it. If you have physical symptoms, talk with your physician to find out the cause. Many people also struggle with health worries. If worry about health is hard to control or affecting your functioning, please consult with your clinician to find suitable treatments. Psychotherapy and other forms of treatment are often effective for health anxiety.

Many people with mild worries also find strategies like these helpful: focusing on what you can control, journaling, and practicing mindfulness . Mindfulness involves being in the present moment, whereas worries keep one engrossed in thoughts about the future. Mindfulness doesn’t mean clearing the mind; it entails noticing the mind’s tendency to wander and gently bringing your attention back to the present moment, whether you’re eating, brushing your teeth, or doing something else. There are several online resources and apps to practice mindfulness.

If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide , seek help immediately. For help 24/7, dial 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Copyright Richa Bhatia 2026. This is not a complete review or description of this subject. The author’s upcoming book explores this topic in more detail. The views expressed in this article do not represent the views of any organization with which the author may be affiliated. This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical or psychiatric advice or recommendations, or diagnostic or treatment opinions.

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6. Verhulst CEM, Fabricius TW, Nefs G, Kessels RPC, Pouwer F, Teerenstra S, Tack CJ, Broadley MM, Kristensen PL, McCrimmon RJ, Heller S, Evans ML, Pedersen-Bjergaard U, de Galan BE. Consistent Effects of Hypoglycemia on Cognitive Function in People With or Without Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2022 Sep 1;45(9):2103-2110. doi: 10.2337/dc21-2502. PMID: 35876660; PMCID: PMC9472511.

7. Zardawi IM. Phaeochromocytoma masquerading as anxiety and depression. Am J Case Rep. 2013 May 20;14:161-163. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.889063. PMID: 23826457; PMCID: PMC3700495.

8. Barrimi M, Aalouane R, Aarab C, Hafidi H, Baybay H, Soughi M, Tachfouti N, Nejjari C, Mernissi FZ, Rammouz I. Corticothérapie prolongée et troubles anxieux et dépressifs. Étude longitudinale sur 12 mois [Prolonged corticosteroid-therapy and anxiety-depressive disorders, longitudinal study over 12 months]. Encephale. 2013 Feb;39(1):59-65. French. doi: 10.1016/j.encep.2012.03.001. Epub 2012 Mar 29. PMID: 23095587.

9. Głowacka K, Wiela-Hojeńska A. Pseudoephedrine-Benefits and Risks. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 13;22(10):5146. doi: 10.3390/ijms22105146. PMID: 34067981; PMCID: PMC8152226.

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Richa Bhatia, M.D., DFAPA is a dual board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, with extensive clinical experience.

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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.