Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also interfere with your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid position for a long duration can cause pain.

Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.

You may also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up when you are anxious, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic discomfort. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have a higher risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're not breathing, and you may experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to danger and if you're constantly always on alert all the time your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and a conversation 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 techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also assist 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

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorders meaning disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their mobility and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we feel threatened. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that increase the speed 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 increase the speed at which your lungs fill dealing with anxiety disorder without medication oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of rest between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system stays on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Traumatic experiences like a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral best therapy for anxiety disorder (CBT) that helps you transform negative mixed anxiety disorder-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements you can take to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could become a problem. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase 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 may cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may recommend medication to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.