Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to times. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a complete migraine in a few people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long time can cause pain.

Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You may be feeling weak, especially 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 a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for an attack. In time, however, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health and can make you feel shaky, weak, or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause the body to become tense, and chronic anxiety can lead to persistent pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or fear of imminent doom. They can happen in certain situations or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an intense pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems also. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms help us respond to danger, but if you're in high alert all the time your immune system could be affected. This can make you more susceptible to getting the common cold and other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes, such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a heart racing and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't know that tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or even specific phobias. When a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, but they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a long period of time.

When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that accelerate how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to flee or fight threat. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system remains on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance when you are stressed. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed frequently it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. It also wreaks havoc on your body and can cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a major impact on your menstrual cycles. 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 the ovulation.

A high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to get these medical problems under control to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders, but 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 typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight or flight response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for fighting or escape. This increased heart rate could 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 best medicine for generalized anxiety disorder.

Dyspnea is the feeling of not breathing. This is a sign your Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms (Jamison-Holloway.Technetbloggers.De) has become too severe to handle.

Your doctor will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, like bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.