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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time When anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension and stomach issues.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people experience anxiety from time to times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1
Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from an average tension headache2 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 those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3
Another physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It could be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, and it's important to get checked by your physician.
You may also feel weak in your legs or arms and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for an attack. As time passes these 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. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine to get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician in case you're having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause your body to become tense and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones which can cause constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.
There are stomach issues that can be experienced when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or fear of imminent doom. They can happen in specific circumstances or without a reason. It could feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems as well. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to react to dangers and if we're on high alert, our immune system can be affected. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, like thyroid or heart problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can assist you in learning techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also help you determine the best treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. But, they don't know that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and even specific fears. If 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 are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers 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.
If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays at a high level of alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a person who is anxious you may be shaky and unbalanced. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder .
If you're constantly stressed frequently it can be difficult to concentrate or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Talk to your therapist if are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is an umbrella term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, it could cause problems. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.
Sweating is a common physical symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or flight response is activated, it increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. This increased heart rate can cause you to 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.
This imbalance can also cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing, which is called dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.
Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They'll begin by asking about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also run tests to identify other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to ease 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 psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.