10 Things You Learned In Preschool That Will Help You With Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious from time some point. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 to a full-blown, migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of 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 could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical condition like heart disease, so it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You might also feel weak in your legs or arms this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for an attack. In time, however these hormones can have a negative effect on your health and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you are stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before going to bed and follow a routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also aid. If you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause constant pain. There may be muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in certain situations or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you're having an attack on your heart or you can't breathe, and you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety may increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to danger, but if you're on high alert throughout the day, your immune system can be affected. This can increase your risk of contracting the common cold, as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll determine if there are other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. 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

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they may lose their range and feel constant discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting when we feel threatened. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. disorders anxiety increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system is at a high level of alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. 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 when you are stressed. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body tightens and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed often it can be difficult to concentrate 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 significant impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that cause the ovulation.

High blood pressure or heart disease could increase your risk of anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. Inform your therapist if you have any of these conditions.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery may also increase your risk of anxiety. 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 solutions which can alleviate anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of frightening feelings that could cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Most of the time, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention.

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 your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 that you are unable to breathe. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle.

Your doctor will test you for an anxiety disorder based on your reported symptoms and the way they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be causing your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

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Pub: 11 May 2024 21:17 UTC
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