Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people have anxiety from time to some point. However, this is different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 to a complete migraine in some people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It can also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, and it is important to be examined by your physician.

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

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and adhere to the same routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. Talk to your doctor If you're still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause the body to become tense and long-term anxiety can lead to 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 IBS.

People with panic disorders have an increased risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or terror of impending doom. They can occur in specific situations or without any reason. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger, but if we're constantly alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to common colds, and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a physical examination and an interview regarding your symptoms. They can rule out other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. 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 trauma or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

While the majority of people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder treatment anxiety disorder quitting smoking disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms regularly they may lose their range and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be delivered to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event you have to escape or fight. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. The illness anxiety disorder disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes once the threat passes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. It also causes havoc to your body, and could cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a major impact on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if have any of these conditions.

Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt for generalized anxiety disorder) that teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

anxiety disorders what is it is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could be a problem. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which require 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 your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and 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.

This imbalance could also cause the feeling of not being breathing and is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.

Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and the way they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health problems that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medications to relieve symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.