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 agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people have anxiety from time to some point. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to full-blown migraine for some people. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles in response to the fight or flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This can be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It could also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You may be feeling weak in your arms or legs this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which help you respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time the hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to a regular routine to get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you're still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach issues

The body is tense in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent discomfort. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have a higher risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings types of anxiety disorders terror or impending doom that can occur in certain situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're unable to breathe, or you may experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health issues as well. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to danger, but if you're on high alert throughout the day, your immune system can suffer. This could make you more vulnerable to getting the common cold and other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and an interview regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can rule out other causes such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't know that muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms regularly, they can lose their range of motion and experience persistent discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or over a long time.

If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. You feel anxious all the while due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance in the event of anxiety. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or worried, your body tenses and then relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed often it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more prone to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also trigger anxiety disorder brain, Read Far more,. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease separation anxiety disorder treatments disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Additionally, there are supplements that you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, they can become a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms which require medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent 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. It's an indication that your anxiety disorder medication is getting too intense to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also run tests to identify other health issues that could be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.