Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, so it's important to get checked out by your physician.

You may be feeling weak in your arms or legs this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for a possible attack. In time, however these hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

You may experience worse symptoms if your anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and follow your routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can help. Talk to your doctor if you are still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause the body to become tense and chronic anxiety may cause pain that persists for a long time. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating, or IBS.

It is possible to experience stomach problems in any anxiety disorder, but people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have these issues. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or for no apparent reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers and if we're on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and a conversation about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, such as heart disease or thyroid problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people where do anxiety disorders come from not realize that chronic muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a sign of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of reactions which cause us to physically react when we feel threatened. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to long-term issues if they're repeated over a long time.

When a real threat occurs, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your arms and legs in case you need to flee or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder,, your body can't return to its normal state of rest between stress-related responses. You are constantly anxious all the while because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains 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 Disorder Physical Symptoms. The body gets tense whenever you think about something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes when the threat is gone. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed often it can be difficult 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 influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety disorders symptoms can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause the ovulation.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease may increase your risk of anxiety disorder treatment without medication, so it's important to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions.

Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can cause anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions which can alleviate anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety disorders psychology definition to positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. In addition, there are supplements available to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to become tight. These emotions alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could cause problems. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.

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 begins, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. 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.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by evaluating 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 look for other health issues that may be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.