Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire 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 at times. An Anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorder occurs when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.

A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This can be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It can also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, and it is important to be checked out by your doctor.

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

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can also help. Consult your physician If you’re still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic discomfort. Your muscles might ache, your stomach can feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have an increased chance of developing stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel as if you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to threats and if you’re constantly on high alert throughout the day your immune system may be affected. This can make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor natural ways to treat anxiety disorder refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety disorder home remedies specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While the majority of people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not know that muscle tension is a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders as the body’s fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they are frequent or over a long period of time.

If a risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which 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 condition, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder makes you be constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you’re a stressed-out person you might feel dizzy and off balance. This is due to the nervous system’s response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think about something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you’re worried on a regular basis it can be difficult to concentrate or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety also has a big effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Other things that could increase the risk of depressive anxiety disorder are traumatic events such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues, such as diabetes, can trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which 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. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren’t enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can become a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

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 kicks in it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. 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 may also cause the feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle.

Your doctor will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at 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 run tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.