Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious at times When anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms 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 that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another symptom of physical anxiety. This could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be a sign of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it is important to be checked out by your doctor.

You may be feeling weak in your legs or arms this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. In time, these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and follow a routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician If you're still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause constant discomfort. Your muscles could hurt and your stomach may be irritable, or you may experience diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or 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 feelings or fear of imminent death. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you're unable to breathe, or you might experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers and if we're on alert, our immune system can be affected. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and a discussion regarding your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't know that tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their mobility and feel constant discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.

If a serious threat is present your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to escape or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety-related condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. You feel stressed all the time because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed frequently, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions.

Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate https://writeablog.net/crosskiss97/what-not-to-do-within-the-anxiety-disorder-physical-symptoms-industry . They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you 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. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could cause your heart to beat and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, they can be a problem. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that require medical help.

Sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight or flight response kicks in, it increases the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. This increase in 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 is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.