Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious from time times. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.

A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it's important to get checked by your physician.

You may be feeling weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to a danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. In time these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and adhere to your routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. Talk to your doctor if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. You may experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems with any type of anxiety disorder, but people with panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific circumstances or without any reason. You may feel like you're having an attack of the heart or that you're not breathing, and you may experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues, too. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats, but if we're constantly alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and an interview regarding your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

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 realize that tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or certain phobias. When a person suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be an indication of https://zenwriting.net/pievirgo61/its-time-to-expand-your-drugs-for-anxiety-disorder-options as the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we sense danger. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long period of time.

When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that accelerate 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 threat. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You feel stressed all the time due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

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

It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly worried. It also causes havoc to your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

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. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery can increase the risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. In addition there are supplements you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tight. Most of the time, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic and get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight or flight response is activated, it increases the rate that your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. This boost 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.

This imbalance could also lead to an uneasy feeling that you are not able to breathe and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.

Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.