Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. However, this is different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown, migraine in some individuals. This is because many people tighten their muscles in response to the fight or flight response, and holding those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could be a sign you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out.

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

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and follow a routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut 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 tightens up in response to anxiety depression and anxiety disorders if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. You may experience 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 suffering from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety increases your risk of other health problems as well. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to danger however, if you're always on alert throughout the day, your immune system can suffer. This could make you more prone to the common cold, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific phobias. When a person suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety disorders types condition, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system stays on high alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes once the threat passes. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting hormones that induce ovulation.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease may increase your risk of anxiety, so it's important to get these medical problems under control to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

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

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to ache and your muscles to tighten. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can get out of hand. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention.

Sweating is a common physical manifestation 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 can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.