Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings become persistent or more frequent. anxiety disorders examples can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.

A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical symptom of anxiety. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It could also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, and it is important to be checked by your physician.

You might also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for a potential attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. Talk to your doctor in case you're struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific circumstances or without any reason. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of extreme anxiety disorder help us respond to threats, but if you're on high alert all the time, your immune system can be affected. This can increase your risk of contracting common colds, and other ailments.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with physical examination and a discussion regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can rule out other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they do not realize that chronic muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms frequently, they can lose their mobility and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be an indication of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that result in us physically reacting when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our natural survival instinct, but they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.

If a serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that accelerate the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight danger. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress responses. The Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms disorder makes you be constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system stays on high alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or off-balance if you are anxious. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried often, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body and may cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big influence on the menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to 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. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can also create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent, they can get out of hand. There are also sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which make you seek medical assistance.

The habit of sweating is a common manifestation 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. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or breathless. 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 cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing properly, which is called dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder based on your reported symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.