How to tell the difference between Anxiety Vs. COVID-19 symptoms?
Experts identified three dominant features of anxiety resulting from the fear of COVID-19, according to a study published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry in December 2020.
Considering the current state of affairs in the world, COVID-19 has had an effect on people's mental health as well as their physical health. At a time like this, many people tend to develop bouts of anxiety or even panic attacks, which can cause symptoms similar to coronavirus infections. As a result, it is important to consider the distinction between COVID symptoms and COVID anxiety symptoms.
Although physicians and medical professionals have gone to great lengths to investigate the different symptoms and signs of COVID, only small-scale research has been done to assess the pandemic's impact on people's anxiety and stress levels. COVID-19, on the other hand, has been shown to induce elevated levels of anxiety in people and may even cause some physical ailments. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the current pandemic may cause people to experience stress and anxiety.
Can COVID-like symptoms be caused by anxiety?
According to a report published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry in December 2020, experts discovered three dominant characteristics of anxiety arising from the fear of COVID-19. Any of the associated signs are; Constant worry, resulting in palpitations, loss of appetite, dizziness, Constant overthinking causes anxiety and terror. Apprehension about attending public meetings and activities. A form of anti-social behaviour that can exacerbate anxiety and isolation problems. Both of these can result in physical symptoms that resemble COVID-19.
When you have anxiety or have a panic attack, you can experience a variety of symptoms. COVID-19 is unquestionably a mental stressor. That being said, here are some of the symptoms associated with anxiety that may lead you to believe you have the deadly infection. This includes Chest discomfort, Palpitations, Vertigo, Nausea, Shortness of breath (dyspnea), Shivering and chills, Tingling in the fingers, a dry mouth and mental confusion.
Although anxiety has its own set of symptoms, COVID-19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms. Even so, some of the most troubling symptoms of both conditions are chest pain and shortness of breath. According to the CDC, if a person experiences trouble breathing and stinging pain in the chest, he or she should seek hospital treatment immediately.
What distinguishes COVID chest pain from anxiety-related chest pain?
Although COVID-19-related chest pain can last as long as the person is infected, anxiety or panic attack-related chest pain can go away in 5-20 minutes. Anxiety-related chest pain may be stabbing and sharp, whereas COVID patients can experience chest tightness and a sense of pressure. Aside from that, anxiety-related chest pain can be followed by psychiatric symptoms as well as physical ailments.
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