Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history, and will run tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people feel anxious occasionally. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
The most frequent physical sign of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in some individuals. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long duration can cause pain.
Another physical sign of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It can also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, which is why it's important to get examined by your doctor.
You may also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for a potential attack. In time, however, those hormones can have a negative impact on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.
You might experience more severe symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach problems
The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent pain. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to experience stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or terror of impending death. They can occur in specific circumstances or without a reason. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues as well. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to threats however, if you're in high alert throughout the day your immune system could be affected. This can make you more susceptible to the common cold, and other diseases.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a discussion regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can rule out other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or specific phobias. If a person suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from constant pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a long time.
When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes once the threat passes. However, if panic anxiety disorder is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.
Having high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical health condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy 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 relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic and get out of hand. There are also sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that make you seek medical help.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. 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.
Dyspnea is a feeling that you can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.
Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and how they impact 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 problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.