Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if 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

Many people feel anxious from time to time. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and make you avoid social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to full-blown migraine in some people. This is because 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

Another physical symptom of anxiety disorder medication is lightheadedness or dizziness. It could be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It can also be an indication of a major 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 sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. However, over time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky and weak or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you're anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine to rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician if you are still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and long-term anxiety disorder physical symptoms can lead to persistent pain. Your muscles may ache, your stomach can feel off or you can get diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating, or IBS.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in certain situations or without a reason. You might feel as if you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you're unable to breathe, or you might experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems as well. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to threats, but if you're always on alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This could make you more prone to contracting the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as thyroid issues or heart disease before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to locate a specialist in generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and jittery hand are signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder of anxiety. But, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder cognitive behavioral therapy anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their mobility and suffer from chronic discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight or flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our natural survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event that you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder,, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You feel anxious throughout the day because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on 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 could cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you may feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried often, it can be hard to concentrate or get enough sleep. It also causes havoc to your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that trigger menstrual ovulation.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car crash or surgery can increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements that you can take to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, it could cause problems. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which require medical attention.

Sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight or flight response kicks in, it increases the rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. This increase in heart rate could cause you to feel dizzy or 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.

This imbalance can also cause a feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. They'll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.