Why do people with anxiety disorder feel worse in the afternoon?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Anxiety patients may feel unwell in the afternoon due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, decreased energy after lunch, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. Changes in the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol in the afternoon can disrupt the balance of emotional regulation and trigger anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety patients may feel unwell in the afternoon due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, post-lunch energy decline, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Afternoon Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in stress hormones such as cortisol in the afternoon can disrupt emotional regulation and trigger anxiety symptoms. Maintaining regular meals to replenish energy, along with appropriate rest, can help stabilize hormone levels and reduce their impact.
2. Post-Lunch Energy Decline: Morning activities consume energy, making the body prone to fatigue in the afternoon, which can intensify feelings of anxiety. Scheduling a short 15–20 minute break during the afternoon, avoiding overexertion, and engaging in gentle activities like walking can help restore energy.
3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): In individuals with chronic anxiety, worries about stressful events tend to accumulate by the afternoon, accompanied by restlessness and palpitations. Under medical guidance, medications such as tandospirone capsules, buspirone tablets, or lorazepam tablets may be prescribed, along with deep breathing exercises to alleviate symptoms.
4. Panic Disorder: Reduced stability of the autonomic nervous system in the afternoon may trigger panic attacks, often accompanied by chest tightness and a sense of impending doom. Medications such as alprazolam tablets, clonazepam tablets, or paroxetine tablets should be taken as prescribed, while learning panic management techniques can help reduce attack frequency.
5. Social Anxiety Disorder: Anticipation of social situations in the afternoon can provoke anxiety due to fear of social interaction, leading to tension and avoidance behaviors. Doctors may recommend medications such as sertraline tablets, fluvoxamine tablets, or venlafaxine extended-release tablets, combined with social skills training to improve overall functioning.
In daily life, maintaining regular sleep and eating habits is essential. Avoid caffeine intake in the afternoon, and plan afternoon activities in advance to minimize uncertainty.
