Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious occasionally. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is 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 tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This could be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician 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 cortisol and adrenaline, which helps you respond to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. Over time, however, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky and weak or anxiety disorder physical symptoms dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to a regular routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. Consult your physician If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause your body to tense up and long-term anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you can't breathe, and you might experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers, but if we're constantly alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to common colds, and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While the majority of people know that a heart racing and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't know that muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder therapies anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder specialist near me disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be an indication of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that cause us to physically react when we sense danger. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated over a long period of time.

When a real threat occurs the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase how fast your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to escape or fight the threat. Those increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may be shaky or unbalanced in the event of anxiety. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or anxious your body tightens and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder Physical symptoms disorder.

If you're stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard to concentrate 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 big impact on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to reduce your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety disorder social into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. This increase in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and breathless. 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 refers to a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to manage.

Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as 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 meds for social anxiety disorder relaxation such as meditation or yoga.