Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people have anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings become persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out.

You might be feeling weak in your arms or legs, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for a possible attack. In time, however, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and may cause you to feel weak, shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

You may experience worse symptoms if you are stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and stick to your routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can help. Consult your physician in case you're struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach problems

The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can cause constant discomfort. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of terror or impending doom that can occur in certain situations or for no apparent reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and an intense pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of developing other health issues. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to danger and if you're constantly on high alert all the time, your immune system can suffer. This could make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders consequences disorders through an examination of your body and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing separation anxiety disorder treatments, they'll rule out other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder symptoms anxiety disorder (SAD) panic anxiety disorder disorder, or even specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we feel threatened. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event you need to run away or fight. Those increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder,, your body can't return to its normal state of rest between stress responses. You are constantly anxious all the while due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pain constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person you might feel dizzy and off balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried often it can be difficult to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body, and could cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, Phobic Anxiety Disorder can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.

High blood pressure or heart disease may make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events like being in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to ache and your muscles to tighten. Most of the time, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can become out of control. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical attention.

The habit of sweating is a common manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight or flight response is activated, it increases the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. 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 of not breathing. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to manage.

Your doctor will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.