Quick Answer
Anxiety symptoms usually fall into two categories:
- Mental: Excessive worry, racing thoughts, dread, brain fog.
- Physical: Rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, dizziness, digestive issues.
Physical Symptoms Explained
Heart Palpitations
Feeling like your heart is pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat. This is often mistaken for a heart attack during panic attacks.
Shortness of Breath
Feeling like you can't get enough air, or a tightness in your chest. Hyperventilating can lead to dizziness and tingling in hands.
Digestive Issues
The "gut-brain axis" is real. Anxiety causes nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or appetite loss.
Sleep Problems
Trouble falling asleep because your mind won't shut off, or waking up frequently with a racing heart.
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety
| Feature | General Anxiety | Panic Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden & Intense |
| Duration | Long-lasting (Chronic) | Short (peaks in 10-20 mins) |
| Intensity | manageable discomfort | Overwhelming fear of dying/doom |
Medical Review
Reviewed by: Ricardo Hamilton, MD
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Sources: NIMH, Mayo Clinic, ADAA