Anxiety and Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Can Anxiety Make You Dizzy?

Anxiety disorders affect a significant portion of the population, with over 18 percent of people in the United States experiencing them each year. One common symptom of anxiety is dizziness, which can occur in both acute and chronic cases. Additionally, individuals with inner ear disorders, known as vestibular disorders, may be at a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

Understanding the Link between Anxiety and Dizziness

Dizziness is a broad term encompassing various sensations like lightheadedness or vertigo, leading to a feeling of unsteadiness due to an illusion of movement. It can arise from multiple underlying issues, including vestibular, neurological, or psychiatric problems.

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, activating the sympathetic nervous system and preparing the body for fight, flight, or freeze. Anxiety can manifest as acute nervousness or persist as a chronic anxiety disorder.

The Fight or Flight Response

Feelings of dizziness often accompany anxiety and anxiety disorders, partially due to sudden fluctuations in blood pressure, resulting in a sense of wooziness or lightheadedness. Moreover, stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol can impact the vestibular system in the inner ear, contributing to dizziness.

The Connection to Inner Ear Disorders

Vestibular disorders, also referred to as inner ear disorders, have a close association with increased anxiety, particularly in conditions leading to significant disability. Interestingly, individuals with chronic episodes of dizziness or vertigo caused by vestibular disorders may have an elevated risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

BPPV and Anxiety Disorders

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a specific type of vestibular disorder. A cohort study conducted in 2016 followed over 15,000 participants for nine years to explore the risk of developing BPPV. The findings revealed that individuals with anxiety disorders were more than twice as likely to develop BPPV compared to those without anxiety disorders. Additionally, being female or having cerebrovascular disease further increased the risk of developing BPPV.

Anxiety, Vertigo, and Quality of Life

A recent study investigated the correlation between anxiety, disability, and quality of life in individuals with vertigo. The results demonstrated that nearly all participants experienced some degree of anxiety, ranging from mild to severe. Moreover, individuals with more severe dizziness reported higher levels of anxiety and disability, coupled with a lower quality of life.

Conclusion

The relationship between anxiety and dizziness is multifaceted. Anxiety can induce dizziness through changes in blood pressure and the impact of stress hormones on the inner ear’s vestibular system. Furthermore, individuals with vestibular disorders, such as BPPV, may be more prone to developing anxiety disorders. The presence of anxiety can exacerbate the symptoms of dizziness, leading to increased disability and reduced quality of life. Recognizing the connection between anxiety and dizziness is crucial in identifying appropriate treatments and seeking professional help when necessary.

Causes of Dizziness in Anxiety

Research indicates that stress hormones, such as cortisol and histamines, released during the stress response, can impact vestibular function. These hormones can disrupt the homeostatic balance of the inner ear at a cellular level, leading to changes in the entire system.

The correlation between balance disorders and anxiety is explained by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). They state that having a chronic illness increases the risk of developing a mental health disorder. Conditions like BPPV and vestibular migraine, which impair everyday functioning, can contribute to heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Other Symptoms of Anxiety

Dizziness is just one of the many symptoms that can arise due to anxiety. The severity of these symptoms varies from person to person. Here are some other common symptoms associated with anxiety:

• Nervousness, panic, or feelings of dread
• Rapid heart rate or chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
• Chest pain or pressure
• Shaking, trembling, or twitches
• Cold chills or hot flashes
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Poor focus or concentration
• Sharp or blurred vision
• Sense of detachment

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

While most symptoms of anxiety are not dangerous, there are instances when immediate medical assistance is necessary. If you experience severe dizziness accompanied by chest pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Prompt action is crucial in such cases to ensure appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Treatments for Anxiety-Related Dizziness

When addressing chronic dizziness caused by underlying conditions like inner ear disorders, the following treatment options may be beneficial:

1. Physical Therapy:

• Standard treatment for vestibular disorders, including BPPV, vestibular migraine, and Meniere’s disease.
• Head and eye exercises, balance training, and walking are commonly used to reduce the severity of dizziness and vertigo episodes.

2. Medications:

• In cases where physical therapy alone is insufficient, medications can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of vestibular disorders.
• Commonly prescribed medications for vestibular disorders include diuretics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Treating Anxiety-Related Dizziness: Dizziness caused by an underlying anxiety disorder can improve with anxiety treatments, such as:

1. Psychotherapy:

• Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have proven effective in treating anxiety disorders.
• CBT helps increase self-awareness of anxiety triggers and develops coping skills to reduce chronic anxiety symptoms.

2. Medications:

• Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to address both depression and anxiety disorders.
• Medications are often used in combination with psychotherapy to achieve long-term reduction of anxiety symptoms.

3. Lifestyle Changes:

• Implementing lifestyle changes alongside therapy and medications can significantly improve symptoms:
  • Engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and gentle exercise helps manage daily stress levels.
  • Adopting a well-rounded diet and practicing self-care can also contribute to reducing anxiety and stress.

Breaking the Vicious Circle: Lifestyle Changes Frequent dizziness can increase anxiety, while chronic anxiety can perpetuate dizziness. To break this cycle and alleviate symptoms, consider the following lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
• Seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling.
• Implement stress-reducing strategies into daily life.

When to Seek Professional Help

If dizziness persists or interferes with daily functioning, it is important to consult a medical professional. Appropriate testing can determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and guide treatment options. If no apparent physical cause is found, a referral to a therapist or mental health professional may be recommended for further evaluation and treatment.

Conclusion

Anxiety and dizziness share a reciprocal relationship, where anxiety can cause dizziness and vice versa. Research demonstrates the interplay between these symptoms, often leading to chronic conditions. By addressing the underlying causes, whether physical or psychological, it is possible to alleviate dizziness and enhance overall quality of life. Treatment options include physical therapy, medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes, tailored to the specific condition and individual needs. Seeking professional help is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of symptoms.