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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people feel anxious from time some point. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be due to a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could also be a sign that you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to find out.
You might be feeling weak in your legs or arms, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and follow a routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can also aid. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause your body to tense up, and chronic anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles may ache and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
It is possible to experience stomach problems in any anxiety disorder, but people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have them. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of terror or impending doom that can occur in certain situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety may increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers however, if we're always alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, and other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can rule out other causes, such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for 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 indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly, they can lose their mobility and experience persistent pain in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that trigger us to physically react when we feel threatened. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a long period of time.
If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder,, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system is on high alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and could eventually result in long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or out of balance in the event of anxiety. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or anxious your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.
You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. Additionally there are supplements available to calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent, they can become out of control. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.
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 boosts the rate of blood circulation 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 is the feeling that you can't breathe. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to handle.
Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.