Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious at times. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from the normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time can cause pain.

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This can be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It could also be a sign that you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your physician to find out.

You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which helps you respond to a danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. In time the hormones could have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and follow the same routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety, it could result in persistent pain. Your muscles may ache, your stomach can feel off or you can get diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones which can cause constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have a higher risk of having stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to a threat however, if you're in high alert throughout the day your immune system could be affected. This can make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a discussion regarding your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, like thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you determine the best medication for social anxiety disorder treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their range of motion and feel constant pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a series of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term issues if they're repeated over a long time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. The anxiety disorder causes of generalized anxiety disorder you to be constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system remains on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard to concentrate or sleep enough. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. That's because it can cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

High blood pressure or heart disease can increase your risk of anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical problems under control to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety disorders meaning are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can cause anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. In addition, there are supplements you can take to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to ache and your muscles to tighten. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and become out of control. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

The habit of sweating is a common 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 rate of blood circulation to prepare you drugs for anxiety disorder battle. This increased heart rate can cause you to feel faint or dizzy. 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.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety disorder levels is getting too severe to control.

Your doctor will evaluate you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.