Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people have anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical sign of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It can also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, and it's important to get checked by your physician.

You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of Anxiety Disorders Effects. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body best cure for anxiety disorder an attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and adhere to your routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor in case you're struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. There may be muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent doom. They can happen in certain situations or without any reason. You may feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues as well. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety help us respond to a threat however, if you're in high alert all the time, your immune system can be affected. This can make you more vulnerable to getting the common cold and other diseases.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any negative or traumatic experiences that might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't know that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder gad anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder symptoms anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms regularly they could lose their mobility and feel constant discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight or flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or over a long time.

When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that speed up the rate at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to flee or fight danger. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You feel anxious all the while due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you may be shaky and unbalanced. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared, your body tenses and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly stressed. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods by affecting the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if have any of these conditions.

A traumatic experience like a car crash or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety disorder getting worse. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical illness. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of frightening feelings that could cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, it could become a problem. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical attention.

Sweating is a typical physical symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for combat. This increase in heart rate may make you 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.

This imbalance may also lead to a feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety disorders book has become too intense to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.