Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. But that's different from having an anxiety disorders list disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical sign of anxiety. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could be a sign you have a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your physician to find out.

You might also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which helps you respond to a threat by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. Over time, however, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky, weak, or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and adhere to the same routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you still have difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause chronic pain. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could experience diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating and IBS.

People suffering from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that occur in specific situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like 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 phobic anxiety disorder can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us respond to a threat, but if you're on high alert all the time your immune system may suffer. This can make you more vulnerable to contracting the common cold as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any negative or traumatic experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an severe anxiety disorder symptoms specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don't know that muscle tension is a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If someone suffers from these symptoms frequently they may lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term problems with muscles when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.

If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state causes of generalized anxiety disorder relaxation between stress-related responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, so 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 your digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason for this is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that scares or worries you, but then relaxes once the threat passes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you are experiencing these symptoms often you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried often it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause the ovulation.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more susceptible to anxiety, so it's important to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

A traumatic experience such as a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can create anxiety. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally there are supplements available to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to ache and your muscles to tighten. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders but when they become chronic, it could become a problem. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms which require medical help.

Sweating is a common 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 the fight. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and 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.

This imbalance could also lead to a feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They may also perform tests to identify other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, like bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.