Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety at times If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people feel anxious from time some point. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also interfere with your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown, migraine for some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long duration could cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical symptom of anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You may be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. As time passes, these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you are stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow a regular routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you're still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety it can cause chronic pain. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

There are stomach issues that can be experienced in any anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have them. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of other health problems. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety disorder treatments at home symptoms assist us in responding to a threat and if you're constantly always on alert throughout the day your immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms, they'll determine if there are other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or look up online directories of therapists to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder blood pressure disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and certain fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from constant pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a chain of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. In moderate levels of hyper anxiety disorder, we trigger these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.

When there is a real danger, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight the threat. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you be constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system remains on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person, you may often feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think of something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes once the threat passes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried frequently it can be difficult 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 significant impact on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular periods by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Other things that could increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can create anxiety. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. In addition, there are supplements available to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tense. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and become out of control. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.

The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or flight response begins, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. The increased heart rate could cause you to feel faint or 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.

Dyspnea is a feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may recommend medication to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.