How To Outsmart Your Boss On Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people experience anxiety at times. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the feelings are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and make you avoid social situations.
Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of their 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. This could be due to an increased 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 crucial to have your heart checked out by your physician.
You might be feeling weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. However, over time these hormones may have a negative effect on your health and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.
You might experience more severe symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach issues
The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can cause chronic pain. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.
It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience them. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of terror or impending doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're unable to breathe, or you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers however, if we're always on alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and an interview regarding 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 can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that chronic muscle tension is a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific fears. When a person experiences these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles may be an indication of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or over a prolonged period of time.
If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be delivered to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event you need to run away or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
When you have an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress responses. You feel stressed all the time due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on 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 can cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a stressed-out person, you may often feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried, your body tenses and then it relaxes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.
You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.
A traumatic experience such as a car crash or surgery may also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical health condition. There are treatments for anxiety disorders . They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and 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 threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tight. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.
The habit of sweating is a common symptom of anxiety disorder s, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase in 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 cause the feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to manage.
Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll begin by asking about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.