Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people feel anxious from time some point. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from the typical tension headache2 to full-blown migraine for some people. This is due to the fact that many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, which is why it is important to be checked by your doctor.

You may be feeling weak in your legs or arms and arms, which could be a indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. However, over time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you're anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Relax before going to bed and adhere to a routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can help. Consult your physician in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. There may be muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

People with panic disorders have greater risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific situations or without any reason. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health problems, too. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to danger, but if you're on high alert all the time your immune system could suffer. This can make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that might have led to anxiety disorder physical symptoms. They can also aid you in finding the right 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 racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their range of motion and feel constant discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of reactions which result in us physically reacting when we sense danger. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term issues if they're repeated over a prolonged period of time.

If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety condition your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pain and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or out of balance when you are stressed. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety disorder physical symptoms. The body gets tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes when the threat is gone. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major impact on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular periods by affecting the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

High blood pressure or heart disease can increase your risk of anxiety, and it's essential to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic events like being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can create anxiety disorder stress management. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk best therapy for anxiety disorder, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a range 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 cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could become a problem. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that require medical assistance.

Sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. The 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 for social anxiety disorder.

This imbalance could cause an uneasy feeling that you are not able to breathe and is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too overwhelming to manage.

Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders by looking at your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.