23 Anxiety Symptoms (Physical & Psychological) w/ Online Quiz

Anxiety symptoms like chest tightness or tremors, can be physical, while others, like negative thoughts, fear or the feeling something bad will happen, can be psychological.

Generally, several symptoms of anxiety will present at the same time. These symptoms are usually related to fear and concern about future events or circumstances that are believed to be threatening. 

When anxiety symptoms occur on a daily basis for over 6 months, it may possible that the person has anxiety that requires further interventions. Anxiety symptoms should be assessed by a psychiatrist and treated as necessary.

Physical symptoms

The main physical symptoms of anxiety are:

• Tremors
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Sweating, chills or hot flashes
• Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
• Muscle tension
• Dry mouth
• Irritability and difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness, vertigo or feeling faint
• Restlessness, irritability or agitation
• Difficulty speaking

In symptoms such as heart palpitations or chest pain may also appear, and these symptoms may even be mistaken for a heart attack.

Psychological symptoms

The main psychological symptoms of anxiety are:

• Fear of losing control or of physical injury or death
• Difficulty or lack of concentration
• Feeling of doom, that something bad is going to happen
• Loss of control over your own thoughts
• Scary thoughts or memories
• Weak memory
• Nervousness
• Fear of being negatively criticized by other people
• Disconnection with reality
• Distraction or mental confusion
• Excessive worry

Typically, people with anxiety experience several psychological and physical symptoms at the same time, especially during important life events or when speaking to other people is necessary.

Children who experience anxiety may sometimes only present with a single symptom, and not several like adults do.

Online symptom checker

If you think you may have anxiety, report any symptoms you have felt in the last 2 weeks:

This symptoms checker is only a guide tool and does not serve as a diagnosis tool or replace an assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Do I have anxiety?

Anxiety is considered to be a normal experience when it occurs occasionally. It is a natural fight and flight response that emerges in situations that are considered to pose an imminent threat. 

However, when anxiety symptoms are frequent and interfere with daily activities, limit socialization or cause physical or psychological suffering, these symptoms may actually be related to an anxiety disorder.

In these cases, it is recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for an evaluation and diagnosis so that the most appropriate treatment is started as necessary.

Treatment options

To relieve anxiety symptoms, you are advised to exercise regular, or to participate in other physical activities like yoga or tai chi, You can also drink soothing teas that are prepared with herbs for anxiety.

It is also important to avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, and to maintain a healthy diet.

Another way to alleviate anxiety symptoms is to control your breathing, by using a diaphragmatic breathing technique. This can be done by inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth.

Moderate to severe anxiety that interferes with activities of daily living should be treated by a psychiatrist, who may prescribe psychotherapy and/or antidepressant and anxiolytic medications. Read more about the anxiety medications that your doctor may prescribe.