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. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to times. But it's not the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine for some people. Many people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. It could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be an indication of a major medical condition like heart disease, so it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You may also feel weak in the arms or legs, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a potential attack. Over time the hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and adhere to your routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can cause constant pain. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may be irritable, or you may develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, but people with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or terror of impending doom. They can occur in specific circumstances or without a reason. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety may increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger however, if we're always on alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to catching the common cold and other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or check online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While the majority of people know that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't know that muscle tension is a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social https://etextpad.com/fyr3t7zdud https://pastelink.net/x9m6ukex (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their range and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to problems in the long run 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 so that more blood can be delivered to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance in the event of anxiety. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or anxious your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you're always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that cause ovulation.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. In addition there are supplements available to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tight. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.

Sweating is a typical physical symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. 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 Medicine.

Dyspnea is a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your experiences in the past and current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.