Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious at times. 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 impact your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them rigidly for a long period of time can cause pain.

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety disorder Physical symptoms. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could be a sign you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out.

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

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and follow your routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also aid. If you still have difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues with any type of anxiety disorder, but people with panic disorders are more likely to have them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific situations or without a reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems also. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety disorders symptoms symptoms help us respond to a threat and if you're constantly on high alert all the time, your immune system can be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will anxiety disorder ever go away be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered your anxiety disorder physical symptoms. They can also assist 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

While most people know that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized does anxiety disorder go away disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or even specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they may lose their mobility and experience persistent pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be a sign of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our instinctual survival instinct however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.

If a serious threat is present your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up the speed at which your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you have to flee or fight danger. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious all the while due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which can eventually cause chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared, your body tenses and then it relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed frequently, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety also has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

A high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more susceptible to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic events such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can cause anxiety. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as 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. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can become a problem. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This increase 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 may also lead to a feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorders pathophysiology disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.