Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, when anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

Many people experience anxiety from time to time. But it’s not the same as having an anxiety disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. what does anxiety disorder look like can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from an normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response and holding their muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. It could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be a sign that you suffer from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out.

You might be feeling weak in your arms or legs this could be another sign of anxiety. 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. As time passes, these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and adhere to the same routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you’re still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain 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.

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 death. They can happen in specific situations or without a reason. You may feel as if you’re having a heart attack or that you’re unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of other health problems. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to danger however, if you’re in high alert all the time your immune system may be affected. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes like thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you determine the best drug for social anxiety disorder treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder causes anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range of motion and suffer from constant pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body’s fight or flight response triggers a chain of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a long time.

When there is a real danger, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that accelerate the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder, however your body isn’t able to its normal state of rest between stress responses. You are constantly stressed all the time because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This causes the constant tensing of your muscles and may eventually lead to long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you’re an anxious person you may feel dizzy and off balance. This is because of the nervous system’s response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes when the threat is gone. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you’re stressed often it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety also has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce ovulation.

A high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, and it’s essential to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical illness. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety Disorder physical symptoms is a term used to describe for a range of frightening feelings that could cause your heart to beat and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tight. Most of the time, these feelings aren’t enough to cause anxiety disorder–but when they’re chronic and get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical attention.

Sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. The increased 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 can cause the feeling of not being breathing and is known as dyspnea. It’s an indication that your anxiety is becoming too severe to control.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You’ll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.