What You Must Forget About How To Improve Your Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Although everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.
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 perform tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people feel anxious at times. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.
Headaches are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid position for a long time can cause pain.
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, and it's important to get checked out by your doctor.
You may also feel 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 a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
You may experience worse symptoms if your anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also help. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach problems
The body is tense in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic discomfort. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel off or you can experience diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect the digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
People who suffer from panic disorders are at greater risk of having stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of terror or impending doom that can occur in certain situations or for no apparent reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems, too. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to danger however, if you're in high alert throughout the day your immune system could suffer. This could make you more prone to 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 will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don't know that muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their range of motion and feel constant discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles may be an indication of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.
When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your arms and legs in case you have to escape or fight the danger. These increased heart rates also increase the rate of your lungs filling up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder,, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. You feel anxious all the while because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or off-balance in the event of anxiety. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.
High blood pressure or heart disease can make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.
A traumatic experience like a car crash or surgery can increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes, or a recurring medical health condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. In addition there are supplements that you can take to help calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that refers to many different feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.
Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle. 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.
Dyspnea is a feeling that you can't breathe. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.
Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. They'll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and your 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 some cases, they might recommend medications to alleviate 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 cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.