Performance anxiety symptoms are often present in athletes. While some people become “pumped up” during the competition, if you interpret the rush of adrenaline as anxiety and negative thoughts take over, this can interfere with your ability to perform.
There are some common external factors that may cause anxiety:
- Stress on the field, court or in the ring.
- Stress in a personal relationship such as marriage.
- Financial stress.
- Stress from an emotional trauma such as the death of a loved one.
- Stress from a serious medical illness.
- Side effect of medication.
- Use of an illicit drug, such as cocaine.
Athletes with anxiety disorders regularly have a genetic predisposition towards them, and physical factors, such as an imbalance of hormones and chemical messengers in areas of the brain, also play an important role. That’s why integrated care is so important. Dr. Ford collaborates with your primary care physician or specialist to assess and treat the direct cause and affects of anxiety.
