Anxiety disorder sufferers tend to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. That Accompany or Resemble Anxiety Disorders Anxiety attacks can mimic or accompany nearly every acute disorder of the heart or lungs, particularly heart attacks and angina. It is often difficult to distinguish between a heart condition and a panic attack. Women who are having actual heart events are much more likely to be misdiagnosed as having an anxiety attack than men with similar problems. Some women experience intense anxiety attacks during menopausal hot flashes.
Many drugs used to treat certain medical problems can produce symptoms of anxiety.
Current treatments of the anxiety disorders in adults. Biological Psychiatry . Perceptual and Motor Skills. American Family Physician. Byer G. Anxiety disorders.