Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have an 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

Many people feel anxious at times. But it's not the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. This is due to the fact that many people tighten their muscles in response to the fight or flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, so it's crucial to have your heart checked by your doctor.

You may be feeling weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which helps you respond to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and follow a routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also aid. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may cause chronic pain. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher chance of developing stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. 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 can increase your risk for other health issues, too. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to react to dangers, but if we're constantly alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders through a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as thyroid issues or heart disease before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly, they can lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part our natural survival instinct, but they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. This leads to the chronic tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or off-balance if you are anxious. The reason is to relate 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 regularly you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried 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. It's because it could cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles due to the inability to release hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

High blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to bring these medical conditions under control to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatizing experiences, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues, such as diabetes, can create anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions which can alleviate anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic they can get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 refers to a feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.

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 previous experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.