Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into a disorder it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. 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

Most people feel anxious occasionally. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine in some people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another symptom of physical generalised anxiety disorder. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, which is why it's important to get checked by your physician.

You might be feeling weak in your legs or arms and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. In time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and stick to your routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. Consult your physician If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you have chronic generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, it can result in persistent discomfort. Your muscles could hurt, your stomach can be irritable, or you may get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or terror of impending death. They can occur in specific situations or without any reason. You may feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.

Long-term anxiety may increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us respond to threats and if we're on alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to contracting the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like heart disease or thyroid problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder Dsm-5 anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part of our survival instincts, but they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.

If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you have to escape or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system remains 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 can cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or anxious your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed often it can be difficult to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. anxiety and panic disorder can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can increase your risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. Most of the time, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical help.

The habit of sweating is a common 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 of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increased heart rate could cause you to feel dizzy or out of breath. 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 the feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to control.

Your doctor will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.