WE all know the hallmark symptoms of anxiety.
From nervousness, to sweating to not being able to concentrate – chances are you’ve experienced them before.
Left side: What a person without visual snow syndrome sees. Right side: What a person with visual snow syndrome sees
But there’s a lesser-known sign linked to a rare condition that bizarrely makes the world you see look like a snow globe.
Visual-snow syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that scientists first recognised in 1995.
Most people experiencing it by always seeing tiny, snow-like flecks in their vision, as if the world in front of them is a badly tuned old TV set or indeed, a snow globe.
The dots are usually black and white, though they can sometimes be colourful or transparent.
The condition, which has no known cause, can be debilitating to some, affecting their ability to work and finish school, as it can make concentrating more difficult.
Some scientists believe the disorder affects part if the brain near the occipital lobe, responsible for sight and perception.
It’s also previous been associated with anxiety.
A 2014 study of 125 people with visual snow syndrome were more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, and fatigue.
US scientist also found stronger links in people with dissociative conditions like depersonalisation disorder, which the NHS says leave sufferers feeling disconnected from yourself and the world around you.
Medics still don’t know how to treat visual snow syndrome.
In some cases, anti-seizure medication and antidepressants have worked to reduce the symptoms.
Anxiety, on the other hand, can be treated.
The condition, which affects around 8million Brits, leads to feelings of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.
It’s often the main symptom of other conditions, like agoraphobia or claustrophobia, panic disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to be effective in some people.
While, medication – such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – can also reduce symptoms.
Other common symptoms of anxiety
According to the Mayo Clinic, typical anxiety signs and symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, restless or tenseFeeling as if something bad is about to happenIncreased heart rateBreathing rapidly SweatingTremblingFeeling weak Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worryHaving trouble sleepingExperiencing gastro issuesHaving difficulty controlling worryHaving the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety