Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. These include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history, and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people have anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 to a complete migraine in some people. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it's important to get checked out by your doctor.

You may be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of anxiety. 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 possible attack. Over time, however these hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

You may experience worse symptoms if you're stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow a regular routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also help. If you are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. Your muscles could hurt and your stomach may feel off or you can get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any mild anxiety disorder disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent danger. 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 may also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues also. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats however, if we're always on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as 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 underlying trauma or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also help you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their range and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that trigger us to physically react when we feel threatened. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long period of time.

If a serious threat is present your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to flee or fight the threat. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you might be shaky and unbalanced. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're always worried. It also causes havoc to your body and may cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to tighten. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.

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 increases the rate that your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. The increased 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. It's an indication that your anxiety has become too severe to control.

Your doctor will evaluate you for an anxiety disorder in light of your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.