Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
While everyone feels anxious at times If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history, and will run tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. But it’s not the same as having an anxiety disorder, which 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 common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time could cause pain.
Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, and it’s crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.
You might also feel weak in your legs or arms, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for an attack. As time passes these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine to rest better. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also aid. Talk to your doctor if you are still struggling to sleep.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may be irritable, or you may experience diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific circumstances or without any reason. It could feel like you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you’re unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.
Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems, too. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers however, if we’re always alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold as well as other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They can rule out other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a fast pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they don’t realize that muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder gad anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms frequently they may lose their range of motion and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck depression and anxiety disorder shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body’s fight-or-flight response triggers a chain of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our natural survival instinct however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.
When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event that you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate of your lungs filling up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can anxiety disorders be cured also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you’re a person who is anxious you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason is to relate to the nervous system’s response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorder.
When you’re worried often it can be difficult to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that cause the ovulation.
You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.
Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic events such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can create anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally there are supplements available to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of frightening feelings that could make your heart beat faster and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren’t enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.
Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body’s fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. The increased heart rate could cause you to feel dizzy or 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.
This imbalance may also lead to a feeling of not being breathing or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.
Your healthcare provider will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You’ll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them and other drugs that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.