Performance Anxiety: Definition, Cause, Types Symptoms and How to Overcome It

Performance Anxiety Overview

Performance anxiety, also known as stage fright, is a type of fear or anxiety that is felt when an individual is under pressure to perform in front of an audience. This type of anxiety is not uncommon and affects anyone, regardless of age, profession, or experience level. Performance anxiety makes it difficult to concentrate, focus, and even move, leading to decreased performance. But there are ways to overcome performance anxiety and become successful in the spotlight. So, what is performance anxiety? Performance anxiety is a mental health condition characterised by intense fear or worry about performing in front of an audience or a group. It manifests as physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and trembling. Performance anxiety manifests as difficulty concentrating, remembering lines or lyrics, speaking or singing in front of an audience, and difficulty with eye contact.

Performance anxiety is a common human experience that can affect anyone, from athletes to artists to professionals. It's important to remember that it's a natural response to the pressure of performing, and it can be managed and even overcome with the right strategies and support, as stated by Dr James Cartreine, a psychologist who specialises in performance anxiety.

Performance anxiety is usually caused by a combination of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Physically, performance anxiety is caused by an inability to control physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and trembling. Psychologically, performance anxiety be caused by fear of failure or ridicule, perfectionism, and low self-confidence. Socially, performance anxiety is caused by the fear of embarrassment or not living up to the expectations of others. Environmentally, performance anxiety be caused by unfamiliar surroundings, people, and tasks. 

There are several types of performance anxiety, including sports anxiety, music performance anxiety, public speaking anxiety, and general performance anxiety. Sports anxiety is a type of performance anxiety experienced by athletes or sports players when trying to perform their best in a competition or game. Music performance anxiety is the fear of playing a musical instrument or singing in front of an audience. Public speaking anxiety is the fear of speaking in front of an audience, such as in a classroom or a boardroom. General performance anxiety is the fear of performing any task in front of an audience, such as presenting a project or answering questions. The common symptoms of performance anxiety include a racing heart, sweating, trembling, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering, difficulty speaking, difficulty with eye contact, fear of failure or ridicule, perfectionism, and low self-confidence. 

Performance anxiety sometimes leads to physical illness, such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome performance anxiety. For starters, it is important to identify the source of the anxiety and then work on addressing it. For example, suppose the source of the anxiety is physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or trembling. In that case, practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation is important. Suppose the source of the anxiety is psychological, such as fear of failure or ridicule. In that case, it is important to practice positive self-talk and focus on the positive aspects of the performance.

Additionally, practising the performance in a safe, supportive environment is important. This help reduces the fear of unfamiliar surroundings, people, and tasks. In conclusion, performance anxiety is a type of fear or anxiety that is felt when an individual is under pressure to perform in front of an audience. 

Performance anxiety is usually caused by physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors. There are several types of performance anxiety, including sports anxiety, music performance anxiety, public speaking anxiety, and general performance anxiety. The common symptoms of performance anxiety include a racing heart, sweating, trembling, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering, difficulty speaking, difficulty with eye contact, fear of failure or ridicule, perfectionism, and low self-confidence. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome performance anxiety, such as practising relaxation techniques, practising positive self-talk, and practising performance in a safe, supportive environment.

What is Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety, or stage fright as it is sometimes referred to, occurs when an individual becomes overly concerned about the outcome of their performance in a given situation. This could be anything from playing a musical instrument on stage to competing in a sporting event. The person experiences heightened levels of distress and anticipatory dread before even beginning the activity, which interferes with their ability to concentrate and perform optimally during these activities. An inability to focus due to fear causes people suffering from performance anxiety not only to experience diminished abilities for performing tasks but may also lead them to avoid certain situations altogether where they perceive there might be some potential threat or danger associated with such task, thus deteriorating both physical skills as well as preventing mental growth overall by someone's lack of willingness engage others socially or professionally.

The behavioural symptoms of performance anxiety are observable as signs of anxiety, such as shaking, stiffness, and trembling. While the mental symptom or known as subjective feelings and negative thoughts in the mind that disturbs one's confidence, feelings, and senses towards the performance.

What causes performance anxiety?

Performance anxiety is caused by a combination of factors, including fear of judgment from others, fear of failure or personal disappointment, perfectionism, and low self-confidence. It may also be triggered by the anticipation of performing in front of an unfamiliar audience or while being graded on performance.

•  Fear of Judgment from Others – Performance anxiety is often caused by a fear of being judged or criticised by audiences or peers, leading to embarrassment and insecurity. These fears be incredibly intense when the stakes are high for an individual's performance, such as if it will affect their career prospects or social standing.

• Fear of Failure and Personal Disappointment – People may also experience performance anxiety due to a fear that they will fail at something important, leaving them feeling embarrassed and disappointed in themselves. This type of pressure creates doubt about one's abilities and leads to perfectionism, further heightening stress levels. 

•  Perfectionism – When individuals strive for perfect outcomes in every situation, they put immense pressure on themselves both while preparing for performances as well during the actual execution stage; this anxiousness then manifests itself into full-blown performance anxiety if not dealt with properly beforehand. It is common among those with very high expectations set either by external sources such as parents/ coaches Etc., or internally where goals seem almost unattainable no matter how hard people try towards them, resulting in more anxieties stemming up before performing anywhere publicly.  

• Low Self-Confidence – Low self-confidence also contributes significantly to performance anxiety, as individuals may doubt their ability and skills before even attempting the desired task. This lack of confidence in one's capabilities often leads to freezing up during performances due to fear that any mistake will result in humiliation or embarrassment. Individuals with low self-confidence are more prone to engaging in negative thinking patterns, which further fuel feelings of apprehension.

How To Overcome Performance Anxiety?

One overcomes performance anxiety in several ways, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), exercise, lifestyle changes, mindfulness practice, and more. CBT has been found effective in treating those experiencing high levels of pre-performance stress across various contexts, such as musicians who have difficulty performing under pressure through controlled breathing exercises, among other techniques adapted throughout the protocol itself consisting typically of five sessions lasting up to roughly 40 minutes each.

Similarly, exercise has proven helpful for overcoming performance anxiety as it releases endorphins which help reduce stress and improve confidence levels. Research conducted by the AmeriPsychological Association found that those who participated in regular aerobic activities reported lower levels of pre-performance anxiety when compared to their non-exercising counterparts. 

Additionally, lifestyle changes like eating well-balanced meals on time along with getting adequate restful sleep may help one cope better with their performance anxieties(Tillotson et al., 2017). 

Who is Suffering from Performance Anxiety?

Performance anxiety affects anyone, regardless of age, profession, or experience level. It is a common experience for students, athletes, musicians, actors, public speakers, and anyone required to perform in front of an audience. Performance anxiety be particularly difficult for those naturally shy or introverted, as they may struggle with self-confidence and fear of failure. Fortunately, there are ways to learn how to cope with performance anxiety and become successful in the spotlight. 

Is Performance Anxiety Considered a Genetic Disease?

No - though it has been noted that some individuals tend to be more predisposed towards developing the condition based on genetic factors, there is no evidence pointing directly towards its genomic origins or any specific gene responsible for causing this disorder.(Mahmoud et al., 2019). Performance anxiety is not considered a genetic disease per se. Instead, it is due primarily to environmental factors such as an individual's upbringing or lifestyle habits. However, there may be underlying psychological issues associated with someone experiencing high levels of performance-related fears due to genetics influencing certain personality traits making them more prone towards being anxious in situations where they feel out of control, impacting how well they perform according to laboratory tests measuring cortisol (stress hormone) production during specific tasks. 

Studies have shown that genetically programmed behaviour might predispose severely fearful people over others, but this does not mean one needs to be born with an overly sensitive temperament; some people become conditioned responses trained within themselves based on experience over time, leading to feeling extreme discomfort or dread before even beginning any task at hand putting them into flight mode preventing optimal physical & mental health overall.

Performance Anxiety Be Treated?

Performance Anxiety be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications, mindfulness practices, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress levels and increase self-confidence, essential in overcoming performance anxiety. 

Mindfulness is a crucial component as it fosters an awareness of one's thoughts and feelings without judgment so that individuals identify the triggers for their anxiety responses. In addition, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), which focuses on restructuring one's thought processes, has proved to be an effective treatment for managing individuals with performance anxiety(Meyer et al., 2020). 

CBT helps people overcome negative thought patterns by challenging unhelpful beliefs resulting from such challenges, eventually replacing them with more adaptive coping strategies. For example, if someone suffers from Test Taking/Exam Anxiety, they could write down affirmations before beginning studying sessions like "I am capable; I know my material well enough for me to pass this test easily," promoting positive expectations regarding themselves, thus helping alleviate Performance Anxiety symptoms.

What are the types of Performance anxiety?

There are several sub-types of Performance Anxiety which include but are not limited to stage fright; sexual performance anxiety; athletic performance anxiety; test-taking anxiety, and interview anxiety, each with its unique characteristics: 

• Stage Fright: Being asked to speak or perform before large groups cause immense dread for some people, even if they have rehearsed their speeches repeatedly until it is perfect. This type of Performance Anxiety usually arises from having low self-confidence coupled with worrying excessively about how others will perceive you – resulting in sweaty palms, erratic heart rate, etc., also known as a fight-or-flight response due to physical symptoms related to stress responses. 

• Sexual Performance Anxiety: Sexual activities where there may be partner expectations creates pressure for men (and women) who suffer from this form of Performance Anxiety, mainly stemming from fears centred around failure & embarrassment, e.g., losing erection during intercourse.

• Sports Anxiety: The pressure to perform well in team sports or individual competitions create feelings of self-doubt, disappointment in one's abilities, and fear of social judgment. This type of Performance Anxiety typically occurs due to past failures or fears that may be associated with failure, often leading to poor performance during competitions in Athletics. 
• Test Taking/Examination Anxiety: Many students experience fear when taking exams either because they are unprepared or do not feel they are good enough for the test material, which results in feeling panicky & overwhelmed while attempting tests resulting in lower-than-expected grades. It also leads them to avoid future examinations entirely, thus potentially impacting their career aspirations. 

• Interview Anxiety: Job interviews commonly invoke an air of anxiety & suspicion regarding questions asked by prospective employees, especially if these potential employers have higher educational qualifications than you – this usually leads people to come across as nervous during interview sessions, making it difficult for the interviewer to assess your true capabilities honestly and fairly. 

These different types of Performance Anxiety significantly impact the quality of life, physical & mental well-being, and overall performance levels. It is, therefore, critical to address it early and seek professional help if symptoms are intense or prolonged to manage these issues successfully. Early intervention often includes relaxation exercises, positive self-talk & cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). With the proper support structure, people suffering from Performance Anxiety learn powerful coping mechanisms that will enable them to fully participate in everyday activities without fear or apprehension caused by their fears.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Performance Anxiety?

Performance anxiety be debilitating for those who struggle with it. Most people do not understand how challenging these forms be for individuals suffering from them, increasingly making them feel isolated and alone in their anxieties. It is important to understand that everyone experiences some performance anxiety. Still, the effects are much more significant than feeling uneasy before a big event or presentation for those who suffer from it more severely. Performance anxiety affects many aspects, including physical,  emotional, and cognitive states, leading to an overall decrease in performance.

Physical reactions related to performance anxiety include:

• Palpitations (heart pounding), 
• Shaking hands, 
• Nausea/stomach churning,
• Trembling lips and speech difficulties 
• Difficulty concentrating Etc...….

The cognitive and emotional symptoms of Performance Anxiety may include but are not limited to:

•  Anticipatory apprehension & anxiety when expected to perform
• Low self-esteem resulting from concerns over failure, social judgment Etc.,
•  Excessive worrying about making mistakes- during performance leads to fears that it will be embarrassing or detrimental to future career aspirations.
•  Fearful thoughts -such as catastrophisation, which focus only on the worst outcomes possible- further worsen their state, thus affecting their actual performance.
•  Hypervigilance– being very aware of every move one makes while performing – often makes them feel exhausted and overwhelmed with fear, eventually impacting the overall quality of life.

It is essential for someone experiencing this condition to seek professional advice immediately as the symptoms worsen over time if left untreated for long periods. 

How does the body's physiological response to stress contribute to performance anxiety? 

The body's physiological response triggered by a perceived threat releases adrenaline which leads to heightened states of alertness, rapid heart rate, and increased strength to prepare us for fight or flight mode associated with imminent danger situations so that we may protect ourselves against possible harm whether this be real or imagined (Meyer et al., 2020).

However, when it comes down to performing tasks where these reactions are no longer necessary, they become detrimental, resulting in an inability to concentrate effectively due to our being too worked up, causing difficulty controlling both physical & mental resources required to successfully engage such challenges at hand leaving one feeling unable to complete them adequately.

The physical response is the stress response, which leads to feeling jittery & anxious or even causes a panic attack if symptoms become too intense. The physiological reaction amplifies one's perception of risk associated with situations, reinforcing fearful thought processes due to heightened arousal levels. These reactions reduce cognitive functions resulting in decreased ability to focus, which leads to one feeling overwhelmed by anxiety before performing tasks (Tillotson et al., 2017).  

What Role Does The Amygdala Play In The Development Of Performance Anxiety?

The amygdala is part of the limbic system that processes emotional memories and plays a significant role when dealing with situations involving fear and negative emotions. It has been observed that individuals suffering from performance anxiety present heightened activity levels in their amygdala compared to those who do not have it. (Stanton & Edmondson 2011) Hence researchers suggest that this may be actively involved in triggering anxious thoughts associated with this condition due to its close association with processing fears related stimuli (Mahmoud et al., 2019).

The amygdala plays an essential role in the development of performance anxiety as it contributes to an individual's perception of danger from a given situation, causing them to experience heightened levels of arousal and preventing them from thinking clearly, thus leading to poorer performances overall. Studies conducted on rats and humans have found that those who had their amygdalae removed were able to perform tasks much better than their counterparts with amygdalae intact, suggesting it is a vital component leading towards feeling anxious when confronted with new challenging situations where we do not feel certain our abilities are sufficiently getting the job done adequately.

People suffering from performance anxiety need to learn ways to calm their amygdala's reaction by regulating levels of stress through engaging in deep breathing exercises or other relaxation activities, such as mindfulness meditation, to help them build up the confidence necessary for achieving successful outcomes without feeling overwhelming dread beforehand leading towards an improved level comfort needed before starting any activity.

How do cortisol and adrenaline levels impact individuals' experience of performance anxiety?

Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, is released in a surge during times of perceived danger, causing an immediate physiological response to enable one to make decisions or run away from potential threats. Similarly, adrenaline, called epinephrine, works with cortisol to provide energy to escape present dangers (Meyer et al., 2020). 

In situations where no physical threat exists but perceived psychological ones like public speaking or other performing activities exist, these hormones are secreted, leading to anxious feelings usually associated with Performance Anxiety (Tillotson et al., 2017). The sudden increase in specific chemicals impairs cognitive functions such as focus, pre-empting any performances, thus overwhelming one with fear. (Stanton & Edmondson 2011) 

How Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) help in the management of Performance Anxiety? 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a research-based, evidence-based form of psychological therapy that is incredibly effective in helping individuals manage performance anxiety. It involves restructuring thought processes and has been successfully used over the years to help manage symptoms related to Performance Anxiety(Meyer et al.,2020 ). 

CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and patterns, the primary drivers behind high anxiety levels experienced during performances. By challenging these underlying thought processes, they begin to build more helpful ways of thinking about themselves and their capabilities; this positively impacts one's self-esteem & confidence. 

During Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions, patients learn strategies for managing fear responses and generating more positive coping mechanisms. It helps individuals reframe their perceptions towards certain events, thus decreasing negative emotions related to them through careful guidance provided by professionals or developing personal affirmations like "I am capable; I know my material well enough to pass this test easily." This helps them develop feelings associated with success rather than failure, thus enabling people suffering from Performance Anxiety to engage in everyday activities without feeling threatened by any potential outcomes.

The therapy also helps identify the warning signs of impending performance anxiety. It equips them with strategies for managing it(Stanton & Edmondson, 2011). Through Cognitive-restructuring, individuals dealing with Performance Anxiety gain insight into how their emotions/behaviours impact their daily functioning, through which they gradually learn to replace existing negative belief patterns with positive ones. 

In addition, CBT assists in developing assertive communication skills such that one speak comfortably about what bothers them, thus aiding in lessening their anxieties. Further relaxation techniques like deep breathing are taught during sessions providing physical relief from associated symptoms by reducing cortisol levels leading a better control over stress reactions. Moreover, problem-solving approaches and goal-setting considerations provide clients with meaningful platforms where crucial decisions related to modifying lifestyle elements be discussed, increasing the probability of individual success rates.(Mahmoud et al., 2019). Therefore, if someone has been struggling with extreme feelings when asked to perform tasks, consider giving CBT a try; many qualified psychologists are available who specialise in treating performance-related issues – so finding help should not be an issue at all!

How do Beta Blockers and benzodiazepine medications treat performance anxiety? 

Beta-blockers medicines work by blocking the effects of epinephrine (adrenaline) released when a person experiences increased levels of fear or anxiety; this decreases his/her heart rate and physical response to stress and helps the individual focus better. Beta-blockers have been used effectively to treat performance anxiety in those with stage fright (Stanton & Edmondson, 2011).

Benzodiazepine medications are also recommended under the direct supervision of medical professionals; they act as a calming agent, reducing the synthesis of specific hormones like serotonin and thereby relieving anxious feelings in the short term (Mahmoud et al., 2019). However, these should always be taken as directed since overuse may cause serious health complications like memory loss or addiction, particularly in long-term management programs. (Meyer et al.,2020)

How does "fight or flight" Relates to Performance Anxiety?

The "fight or flight" response is an evolutionary survival mechanism triggered when an individual perceives a situation as threatening. When the "fight or flight" response is activated, the body releases hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body for action. This response is beneficial in short-term, life-threatening situations, allowing the individual to respond quickly and effectively. 

However, this response also be triggered in non-life-threatening situations, such as when an individual faces a performance task. The individual may perceive the task as threatening, and the "fight or flight" response may be activated, leading to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and trembling. This makes it difficult to concentrate, focus, and even move, leading to decreased performance. 

Therefore, it is important to recognise the signs of the "fight or flight" response and to learn how to manage it. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, help reduce performance anxiety's physical symptoms. Additionally, engaging in positive self-talk and focusing on the performance's positive aspects help reduce the psychological symptoms of performance anxiety.

What is the role of Exposure Therapy in overcoming performance anxiety?

Exposure therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves slowly exposing clients to situations related to their phobias through gradual steps, thus enabling them to confront what usually causes fear/anxiety within a controlled environment. (Tillotson et al .,2017). Exposure Therapy typically starts by imagining & visualising the feared object or activity before taking small steps towards actually confronting it – these include talking out loud about one's fears, writing down what you would like to achieve during this performance Etc.

This therapeutic approach has proved to be highly effective for treating individuals suffering from Performance Anxiety for many years; facilitating guided practice and associated techniques such as systematic desensitisation provides one more adaptive strategy to handle difficult situations rather than avoid them altogether. Through planned exposure to feared stimuli, cognitive restructuring involves changing existing thought processes and decreasing overall anxieties related to Performance Anxiety. This allows people experiencing Performance Anxiety to gain control of their body's stress response, thereby diminishing symptoms associated with panic attacks. After which, they are encouraged gradually increase exposure duration until mastering more demanding tasks such as giving speeches for larger crowds. Not only does this technique assist individuals in managing existing anxiety, but it also reduces the likelihood of future occurrences because people become accustomed to situations due to repeated exposures, thus leading them to feel empowered rather than scared.

In addition, Exposure therapy has been used successfully for managing irrational fears like stage fright when combined with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation, allowing one to be better prepared for upcoming performances (Mahmoud et al., 2019). The technique also provides individuals with a framework to experiment with new ways to overcome their anxieties, providing an opportunity to experience success, thus gaining the confidence required for succeeding in tasks (Meyer et al., 2020). 

 What is the long-term effect of untreated performance anxiety?

The long-term effects of untreated Performance Anxiety be severe. Studies have shown that individuals suffering from this condition tend to experience negative impacts on their mental health, physical well-being & personal relationships due to fear associated with performing tasks in front of others or even when alone. If not addressed early, it may lead to chronic issues such as depression, panic disorders, or generalised anxiety disorder, further impacting job performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life. There is also a potential for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) -like tendencies leading one into becoming increasingly obsessive about preparing for performances, thus causing undue stress & anxiety resulting in worsening symptoms. Strained relationships are sudden due to mood swings and frustration because perceived helplessness increases the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder and substance abuse in those trying to cope with anxieties (Stanton & Edmondson, 2011).

Furthermore, if left untreated, it could lead to serious physical health problems due to persistent/unmanaged stress reactions; it may cause elevated blood pressure levels resulting in hypertension over time (Meyer et al.,2020 ). Controlled research indicates that the presence of a high level of cortisol increases the probability of having cardiovascular diseases associated with depression and other mental state disorders further down the line. (Tillotson et al ., 2017 ). 

Over the years, if one fails to take proper medical/psychotherapeutic measures, it could have devastating impacts on both short-long terms; therefore, timely diagnosis therapies tailored to specific goals should be employed to address symptoms concomitantly. (Meyer et al., 2020)

Does Deep Breathing Help Alleviate Performance Anxiety?

Yes - studies have shown that deep breathing exercises may assist in managing symptoms related to performance anxiety (Meyer et al., 2020). This is mainly due to its stress relieving effects which help reduce Cortisol/Adrenaline levels and calms the mind contributing towards improved focus while preparing for any task (Stanton & Edmondson, 2011). 

Moreover, it reduces physical sensations of fear, like chest pain or trembling hands, by slowing down one's heart rate leading to a more relaxed state, thus reducing anxious feelings(Tillotson et al., 2017). Regular practice helps individuals deal with their worries better over time, eventually leading to a sense of control when performing activities instead of feeling overwhelmed.(Mahmoud et al., 2019)  

Is Performance Anxiety a Mental Illness?

In short, No- although severe cases may lead to psychological disorders such as depression or generalised anxiety, it is not considered mental illness per se but rather an umbrella term to describe the various symptoms caused by extreme anxiety or fear of performing in front of others or under pressure. Performance occurs in many areas, such as school, sports, acting, and even job interviews which cause intense stress if they are done wrong or poorly judged.

 It is said that having this condition reflects mainly on cognitive distortions held by negative beliefs concerning oneself. However, these thought patterns vary from individual to individual and hence cannot be regarded as the diagnosed category (Meyer et al.,2020 ). Furthermore, research suggests there are many possible explanations for why people experience stage fright, be it related to trauma or genetic predisposition; therefore, Performance Anxiety should be considered a distinct entity rather than being labelled a mental disorder (Tillotson et al., 2017)

Does Performance Anxiety Affect Sexual Health? 

Yes - Performance anxiety seriously affects sexual health, as it has been linked to various physical and psychological symptoms. Physically speaking, performance anxiety leads to an inability to achieve or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction) due to feeling too much pressure during intimacy. Even for those not who have erectile dysfunction, the stress of trying and fearing failure in bed may result in difficulties with arousal and other issues that interfere with enjoying sex.

On a psychological level, experiencing intense levels of fear or worrying about not performing well enough during intercourse could cause further strain on relationships - either through communication problems between partners or avoiding any intimate contact altogether out of worry over being judged by your partner(Mahmoud et al., 2019 ). Additionally, feelings such as guilt, self-doubt, inadequacy, and poor body image, among many others, often stem from having difficulty achieving pleasure satisfaction results because one feels anxious when engaging in sexual activity hence leading to more challenging repercussions long term if left unchecked.

Furthermore, frequent stage fright-like situations have been linked to increased cortisol and adrenaline levels, causing excess stress reactions and impairing cognitive abilities, prohibiting compelling performances even sexually (Meyer et al.,2020 ). This could lead to serious long-term effects if left untreated, for example, lowered desire, erectile dysfunction, and other physiological responses that directly result from high levels of hormone synthesis within an individual's system over time.(Tillotson Et Al.,2017). 

In conclusion, it is evident that Performance Anxiety affects one's mental health and directly impacts physical well-being, specifically regarding sexual functioning. Therefore timely diagnosis and appropriate treatments like Exposure Therapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy be employed in managing its effects. Such this condition do become obstacles leading to fulfilling experiences in life ahead.(Mahmoud et al.,2019 )