Signs & Symptoms of Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety is a social anxiety disorder that presents itself via various signs and symptoms. It usually affects people who are afraid of performing in public, such as public speakers and musicians. Performance anxiety may also happen in sexual situations when a person becomes afraid due to feelings of inadequacy.

Paralyzing Fear

According to an article by Martin Richfield in counselingmagazine.com, paralyzing fear is a common symptom associated with performance anxiety. It may appear in the form of stage fright, an experience of anxiety in the present situation. As a result, you may become unable to move or speak, similar to a deer being caught in headlights, due the fear of humiliating yourself or being rejected by others.

Inability to Concentrate

The inability to concentrate is another symptom of performance anxiety. Apprehensive thoughts may overtake your mind, interfering with the necessary actions needed to complete the present task. As a result, you may become confused or lose focus while performing.

Sweating

Panic and fear due to performance anxiety may cause you to sweat excessively on various places of your body, including your face and hands. The emotional stress of anxiety may cause your brain to send signals to your body that will cause hot flashes and enormous amounts of perspiration, which may make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.

Shaking

While you are experiencing performance anxiety, your hands and knees may start to shake uncontrollably. That response is due to the large amount of adrenaline sent throughout your body as a defense mechanism, also known as "fight or flight" mode.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is another common symptom of performance anxiety. When you are afraid of performing, you may begin to hyperventilate or start breathing really fast, while gasping for air.

Dizziness

Dizziness while performing is a typical sign of performance anxiety. As a result, you may become light headed and even lose your balance due your brain not getting enough blood and oxygen. You may begin to feel like the room is spinning and, if the anxiety is too intense, you could possibly faint

Increased Heart Rate

While experiencing performance anxiety, your heart rate may increase due to the adrenaline being released into your body as a survival response. Your heart rate also increases due to panic, so the more you panic about performing, the faster your heart will beat.

References

• Discussion on Perfomance Anxiety
• Performance Anxiety Disorder
• Performance Disorder