
It's, in a way, the central command center for the rest of the body and has an influence over all the different organ systems. This can lead to intense physical sensations, anxious thoughts, worries and avoidant behaviors that impact one’s life.Īn example would be skipping school the day of a test because one is so anxious or having a panic attack to the point that one can’t take a test.īut why does anxiety manifest with physical symptoms?Ĭonsider this simplified explanation: The brain is an extremely powerful organ. However, at times, the anxiety can be quite severe or exaggerated in relation to the actual situation. It’s the brain’s way of getting us ready to face or escape danger, or deal with stressful situations.įor example, anxiety before exams can make one study more and, hence, do well on a test.


We all experience some anxiety at different periods in time. The above scenario is not an uncommon one, especially the frustration a person may feel if they believe doctors are not taking their condition seriously or saying “it’s all in your head.” She was frustrated with the emergency room staff because they felt a healthy 20-year-old who had a thorough medical workup completed two days before was not having a heart attack but, rather, an anxiety attack. She started crying uncontrollably, making it all the more difficult to breathe. She was scared because she felt like she was dying.

She had been home watching TV when all of a sudden her heart started racing, she felt her face flush, her hands tingle, and it was hard to catch her breath. This was her third trip to the Emergency Department in two days.
