Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious at times. However, this is different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily life and make you avoid social situations.

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long time could cause pain.

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. https://anotepad.com/notes/mtdbxx4i could be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It could be a sign you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You may be feeling weak in your arms or legs, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and could cause you to feel shakey or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and stick to your routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles could hurt, your stomach can feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating and IBS.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at greater risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific circumstances or without any reason. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.

Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats however, if we're always alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold as well as other diseases.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a discussion regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that might have led to your anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't know that chronic muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their range of motion and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that result in us physically reacting when we sense danger. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, but they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or over a long time.

If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the rate that 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-related condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious all the while due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes once the threat passes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed often, it can be hard to concentrate or sleep enough. It also affects your body and may cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Other things that could increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events like being in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical health condition. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of frightening feelings that could make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders but when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.

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 at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight 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 Medicine.

This imbalance can cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing properly, which is called dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.