Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a sense of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders anxiety. They will also ask about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, and it’s important to get examined by your doctor.

You may also feel weak in your legs or arms and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. Over time these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you’re stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine to rest better. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can help. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause chronic pain. You might experience 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 and IBS.

It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of terror or impending doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel as if you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term Anxiety Disorders Psychology Definition can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to a danger however, if we’re always alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination of your body and asking you about 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 offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experience that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look up directories online for an anxiety disorder stress management specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don’t realize that tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders as the body’s fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we feel threatened. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term problems with muscles when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.

If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you have to flee or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn’t able to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pains, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you’re an anxious person you may feel dizzy and off balance. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system’s response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared your body tightens and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms regularly you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you’re worried frequently, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation.

High blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, so it’s important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that could increase your risk for anxiety disorders in women are traumatizing experiences, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are solutions which can alleviate anxiety disorders anxiety. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Additionally there are supplements you can take to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Oftentimes, these feelings don’t constitute an anxiety disorder–but when they’re chronic, they can become out of control. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical assistance.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. The increased heart rate may make you 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 is a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder in light of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They’ll begin by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, including bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.