Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious from time to time, when anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

Many people have anxiety from time to time. 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 affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown, migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long period of time could cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could be a sign you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You may also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and can make you feel shaky, weak, or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if your stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine to sleep better. Exercise can also be helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you're still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

anxiety disorder home remedies can cause the body to tighten up and long-term anxiety can cause chronic pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of terror or impending doom that occur in specific situations or best cure for anxiety disorder no apparent reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.

Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us respond to a danger and if we're on high alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more prone to the common cold, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety disorder yoga. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not know that muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder blood pressure disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or certain phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders description disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event 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 increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system stays on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person, you may often feel dizzy and out of balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms. When you are anxious or anxious your body tightens and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried often, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

High blood pressure or heart disease may increase your risk of anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to decrease your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical condition. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements that you can take to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical attention.

Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. 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.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety for a disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants containing 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 yoga or meditation.