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Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness? Link & Treatment Options

Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness
Written by:

Rabia Khaliq

MSc in Applied Psychology

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The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Their inclusion does not guarantee that they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. This list is not exhaustive, and healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs.Read more

Approximately 36.8 million adults, constituting roughly 15.5% of the USA population, were reported to experience dizziness in a 2016 study [1*] . Surprisingly, many might never come across the fact that there could be a direct link to anxiety; the study found that as much as 29.4% of the reported cases of dizziness were attributed to anxiety.

So,

Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness?

People suffering from anxiety disorders often have to struggle with the spells of dizziness and lightheadedness, which can turn into persistent unsteadiness and mimics a constant hangover feeling. Although people in society and close family and friends might not understand your complications of dizziness due to anxiety, the severity of this condition can control your life.

In this blog, you will learn about the connection between anxiety and dizziness, what causes it, and the treatment option to get rid of the condition.

Untreated anxiety can lead to disability. Click the link below to get the best anxiety treatment online right now.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Anxiety?

Chronic anxiety is a severe mental illness with legit diagnostic criteria, a wide range of debilitating symptoms, and treatment options. As a standard brain defense mechanism, an optimal amount of anxiety is part of the fight and flight response, which enables a person to get through difficult situations. However, this anxiety subsides as the triggers and causes are removed. But if anxiety symptoms become worse, start interfering in your daily life, and last longer than 6 months, then it is a clinical anxiety disorder.

What Are the 6 Types of Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is an umbrella term and encompasses 6 types of anxiety disorders [2*] which are as follows;

  1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  3. Social anxiety disorder
  4. Separation anxiety disorder (SAD)
  5. Illness anxiety disorder
  6. Phobias

The experience and anxiety symptoms vary from one individual to another individual.

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

The physical symptoms of anxiety include;

  • Rapid breathing
  • Increase heartbeat
  • Muscle tightness
  • Sweating
  • Neck and joint aches
  • Hot flashes
  • Tinglings

Psychological anxiety symptoms include;

  • Dizziness
  • Excessive worrying
  • Restlessness
  • Fear
  • Distress

Although anxiety is a clinical diagnosis, research has not still found the exact cause of anxiety. Experts believe that causes of anxiety are multifactorial; these may include environmental factors, past events, genetics, and brain chemistry.

Next,

Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness? The Link Between the Two

Chronic anxiety can cause a wide range of symptoms, including a constant feeling of dizziness. The link between anxiety and dizziness:

Around 19.1% [3*]  of the American population experiences anxiety, and the majority of the population reports constant spells of dizziness and lightheadedness along with it. Dizziness is a broad term used for various sensations, including lightheadedness, vertigo, unsteadiness, and illusion of movements. According to research, dizziness can be triggered by psychiatric issues, including anxiety which is thought to be the possible factor in linking both anxiety and dizziness.

Professional help is your ultimate treatment option to get rid of anxiety and dizziness. Click the link below to get help right away.

What Causes Dizziness Related to Anxiety?

Anxiety-related dizziness causes may include the following;

  • Vestibular issues – inner ear disorders [4*] are known to increase the risk of developing anxiety leading to high levels of dizziness, vertigo, and disability.
  • Fight and flight response anxiety is associated with sudden physical symptoms such as high blood pressure and increased heart rate, which can trigger dizziness.
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) a study published in 2016 [5*] concludes that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop BPPV, which can trigger dizziness.
  • Vertigo according to a study [6*] , researchers concluded that people having anxiety disorder are more likely to develop coexisting vertigo, which is the most common form of dizziness.
  • Hormonal imbalance study suggests that certain hormones such as high cortisol levels due to anxiety can trigger dizziness.

Moving on,

Anxiety and dizziness

How Long Does the Dizziness From Anxiety Last?

Anxiety-related dizziness can last for several minutes to hours. However, if the dizziness and chest pain remains for longer than 15 minutes, promptly seek emergency medical health and report a doctor.

Get your anxiety symptoms checked by the mental health experts at MEDvidi. Connect with us today!

Landing on to the last part.

How Do I Stop Dizziness From Anxiety?

If you are wondering how to get rid of dizziness, then the best option is to resolve the underlying condition – anxiety. The following treatment options help manage anxiety symptoms, including dizziness;

Therapy:

Therapies such as physical therapy and psychotherapies are a great way to manage dizziness and other related anxiety symptoms. Physical therapy focuses explicitly on balance and vestibular relaxation therapy [7*] aims to reduce vestibular issues; on the other hand, psychotherapy targets anxiety and lowers its impact.

Moving on,

Anxiety Medication:

Medication (if prescribed) is the best option to manage dizziness and anxiety fast. Medication can be a part of a complex treatment plan, including therapies. Most common medications prescribed for anxiety include;

  • Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs)
  • Antihypertensive drugs (Diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.)

Lifestyle Changes:

Lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, exercise, and dietary modification are crucial in managing anxiety-related dizziness.

Takeaway

Can anxiety cause dizziness? The answer is YES. There is a strong association between anxiety and dizziness, leading to debilitating complications; however, getting professional help remains the ultimate treatment option. Join MEDvidi today to get the most legit diagnosis and fast-acting treatment plan.

Sources

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+7 sources
  1. Balance Disorder Trends in US Adults 2008‐2016: Epidemiology and Functional Impact. (2023)
    Source link
  2. Anxiety disorders. (2021)
    Source link
  3. Anxiety Disorders - Facts & Statistics
    Source link
  4. Dizziness and Panic Disorder: A Review of the Association Between Vestibular Dysfunction and Anxiety. (1998)
    Source link
  5. Increased risk of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in patients with anxiety disorders: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. (2016)
    Source link
  6. Disability and Anxiety in Vestibular Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study. (2020)
    Source link
  7. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: Review of Indications, Mechanisms, and Key Exercises. (2011)
    Source link
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Written by:

Rabia Khaliq

MSc in Applied Psychology
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Evidence Based

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of experts strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers
in the parentheses (1, 2, 3) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.