Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Although everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1
Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3
Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, which is why it is important to be checked by your physician.
You might also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for an attack. Over time, these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
You may experience worse symptoms if you’re stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Relax before going to bed and stick to the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician If you’re still struggling to sleep.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may cause chronic pain. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may be irritable, or you may develop diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.
People suffering from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in certain situations or without apparent reason. It could feel like you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.
Long-term anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to a threat however, if you’re on high alert throughout the day your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, like thyroid or heart problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences which might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also help you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many don’t know that muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or certain phobias. If someone suffers from these symptoms frequently they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders.
Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body’s fight or flight response triggers a sequence of reactions which result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part of our instinctual survival instinct however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.
When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you have an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system stays on high alert. This causes the constant tensing of your muscles and may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or out of balance in the event of anxiety. This is because of the nervous system’s response to anxiety disorder therapist near me. Your body is tense whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
If you’re stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. It also wreaks havoc on your body and may cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a major impact 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.
High blood pressure or heart disease can increase your risk of anxiety, which is why it’s crucial to get these medical issues under control to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.
A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery may also increase your anxiety risk. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety and panic disorder disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that refers to a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. Most of the time, these feelings aren’t enough to cause anxiety disorders, but if they’re persistent, they can become out of control. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical help.
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 is activated, it increases the rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you best drug for anxiety disorder battle or escape. This increased heart rate can cause you to 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.
This imbalance may also cause a feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to manage.
Your doctor will determine if you have anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They’ll begin by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.