Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and run tests to rule other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. However, this is different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety disorder physical symptoms can affect your daily life and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

Headaches are a typical physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long period of time can cause pain.

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical problem such as heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You may also feel weak in the arms or legs, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. Over time, however, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

You may experience worse symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine to sleep better. Exercise can also be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could result in persistent pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

People suffering from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror or impending doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues as well. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us respond to threats, but if we're constantly alert, our immune system can be affected. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold as well as other diseases.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that might have led to your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

While the majority of people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't realize that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which cause us to physically react when we feel threatened. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated or over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system is on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a person who is anxious you might be shaky and unbalanced. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared your body tightens and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. That's because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow due to the inability to release hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease could increase your risk of anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also cause anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for generalized anxiety disorder) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Additionally there are supplements that you can take to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These feelings alone are not enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical assistance.

Sweating is a typical physical symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or-flight response kicks in, it increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. This increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or out of breath. Breathing faster than normal--also known as hyperventilation--can enhance many of these physical symptoms by upsetting the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body, according to U.S. National Library of Medicine.

This imbalance may also cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle.

Your doctor will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how long do anxiety disorders last they impact your daily life. They'll begin by asking about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.