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What is the Relationship Between Anxiety and Dizziness?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Anxiety and dizziness are related because many people experience mild to extreme dizziness as a symptom of anxiety. This can occur in its milder form for hours or even days while more severe dizziness may accompany a panic or anxiety attack. Most times this will be accompanied by other symptoms as well. Even those who do not feel anxious can experience anxiety along with dizziness, since anxious feelings are only one symptom.

Many patients do not realize that anxiety and dizziness are related, and those who do may not know that anxious feelings do not necessarily have to present at the same time as other symptoms. One may feel dizzy, lightheaded, short of breath, or fatigued without realizing that he or she suffers from anxiety. Similarly, anxious feelings can occur without any additional symptoms.

Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.
Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.

Sometimes patients do not realize they are suffering from anxiety because the condition has always been present and they may believe that frequent fear, worry, or depression is normal. Other times, fear reactions such as shortness of breath, pounding heart, and dizziness may be triggered by the body without emotional symptoms. Most times, anxiety symptoms are triggered by particular situations, thoughts, or events.

Dizziness may be triggered by phobias, such as a fear of heights.
Dizziness may be triggered by phobias, such as a fear of heights.

Severe anxiety and dizziness are usually associated with an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or any number of phobias. Medications and counseling are the most common treatments. Although symptoms do not always have to occur together, most patients do have anxious feelings at least some of the time, and they oftentimes do occur in conjunction with physical symptoms.

Severe anxiety and dizziness are usually associated with generalized anxiety disorder.
Severe anxiety and dizziness are usually associated with generalized anxiety disorder.

Since dizziness and other physical issues related to anxiety often mimic other health conditions, it is important to get a diagnosis from a trained medical professional. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, rapid heart rhythm, palpitations, dry mouth, lightheadedness, nausea, and sweating. Sometimes tightness in the chest and pain may also occur. Many patients believe they are having a heart attack during a panic attack and symptoms are very similar in nature.

Anxiety is characterized by heart palpitations and intense feelings of worry.
Anxiety is characterized by heart palpitations and intense feelings of worry.

If anxiety and dizziness are prolonged and there is no known cause, there may be an underlying disorder. Sometimes chronic stress can also cause these symptoms, so if there is a chronic stressful situation occurring, patients should remove themselves from it if possible. If that is not possible, such as after the death of a loved one, counseling is a good option for learning coping techniques. Medications may help lessen the severity of symptoms, but it is not a cure for most patients when used alone.

Discussion Comments

Tufenkian925

@FitzMaurice

There are plenty of methods available to everybody, spiritual and non-spiritual. In the first place, it is probably best to consult a doctor for medication when struggling with dizziness, as this has immediate effects on daily life and can be harmful. Falling down the stairs is not a good thing.

FitzMaurice

@Qohe1et

What about for people who aren't religious? I have tried different things but none of them seem to work.

Qohe1et

It is important to have another way of letting out anxiety besides simply worry and fear. These persist, and can cause procrastination and sleeplessness. This is why it is important to get good daily exercise and make a conscious choice to think thoughts which are not anxious. I have found that praying works well for me, especially with other people. Sharing and hearing people out about my worries also works quite well.

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    • Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Resting may help relieve feelings of dizziness.
    • Dizziness may be triggered by phobias, such as a fear of heights.
      By: Sergey Mostovoy
      Dizziness may be triggered by phobias, such as a fear of heights.
    • Severe anxiety and dizziness are usually associated with generalized anxiety disorder.
      By: David Stuart
      Severe anxiety and dizziness are usually associated with generalized anxiety disorder.
    • Anxiety is characterized by heart palpitations and intense feelings of worry.
      By: kmiragaya
      Anxiety is characterized by heart palpitations and intense feelings of worry.
    • Dizziness and confusion may develop as a result of ignored anxiety.
      By: Marijus
      Dizziness and confusion may develop as a result of ignored anxiety.
    • An individual may feel dizzy without realizing that she suffers from anxiety.
      By: blanche
      An individual may feel dizzy without realizing that she suffers from anxiety.