Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety at times If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, stomach issues and more.

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

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious from time time. 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 routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from the average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. It can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It can also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, and it's important to get checked out by your doctor.

You might be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for a possible attack. In time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you're stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow your routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can help. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may cause chronic pain. Your muscles may ache and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could experience diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

There are stomach issues that can be experienced in any anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent doom. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers, but if we're constantly alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more prone to common colds, and other ailments.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes of generalized anxiety disorder, like thyroid or heart problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety disorder Physical symptoms. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly, they can lose their mobility and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood is pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you have to escape or fight. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety disorder, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. You feel anxious all the while due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This causes the constant tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you may feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed often 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 also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that could increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical health condition. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to 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 mind and body.

5. Sweating

anxiety disorders statistics is a term used to describe for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical care.

The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or flight response begins, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. This increased heart rate may make you feel dizzy or out of breath. 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 a feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too intense to manage.

Your doctor will determine if you have anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.