Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into a disorder it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history, and will run tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also interfere with your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from the typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long time can cause pain.
Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to find out.
anxiety disorders symptoms may also feel weak in your legs or arms this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. In time, however, those hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak or dizzy.
You might experience more severe symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and long-term anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. There may be muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.
You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific situations or without any reason. You may feel like you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you're not breathing, and you may experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health issues, too. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to danger however, if you're in high alert all the time your immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experiences that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they could lose their range and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a cascade of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.
When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that accelerate how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight danger. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you have an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system is at a high level of alert. This leads to the continuous tension in your muscles that could eventually result in chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're an anxious person you may 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 tightens and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
A high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if suffer from any of these ailments.
Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that covers many different feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, it could be a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that make you seek medical assistance.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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.
Dyspnea is the feeling that you are unable to breathe. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to manage.
Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety for a disorder in light of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.