Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms 10 Things I d Love To Have Known In The Past

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

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

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

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious at times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily life and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in some people. This is due to the fact that many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another symptom of physical anxiety. This can be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It can also be an indication of a major medical problem such as heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You may also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a possible attack. Over time, these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine to rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can help. Consult your physician if you are still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tense up, and chronic anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. You may experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to experience stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or terror of impending death. They can occur in specific situations or without any reason. You may feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an intense pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase the risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us respond to a danger, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to contracting the common cold as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and an interview regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered your anxiety and eating disorders. They can also assist you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety Disorder dsm 5 anxiety disorder social disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If a person suffers from these symptoms frequently they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from 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 chain of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part our survival instincts, but they can cause long-term problems with muscles when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

When a real threat occurs, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in case you have to escape or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress reactions. You feel anxious all the while because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This causes the constant tensing of your muscles and 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

If you're a stressed-out person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared your body tightens and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may 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 may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can also increase your anxiety risk. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements you can take to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for combat. This increased heart rate could cause you to feel faint or 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 cause an uneasy feeling that you are not able to breathe and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you have anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be causing your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances they may recommend medication to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.