The 10 Most Scariest Things About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
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 other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people have anxiety from time to times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.
Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 to a complete migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3
Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be a sign that you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine.
You might also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones can have a negative effect on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky, weak, or dizzy.
If you are having trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor if you are still having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause the body to become tense and long-term anxiety can cause chronic pain. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may feel off or you can experience diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones which can cause constipation, bloating, or IBS.
People with panic disorders have greater risk of having stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.
Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health problems also. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us respond to a threat and if you're constantly always on alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This could make you more prone to common colds, and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask Read Webpage to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
While the majority of people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or certain phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they may lose their mobility and experience persistent pain in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our instinctual survival instinct, but they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.
If a risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event that you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause 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. You are constantly anxious all the while because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pain constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You may feel dizzy or out of balance in the event of anxiety. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried your body tightens and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly worried. It also causes havoc to your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the 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.
High blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can also increase your risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical health condition. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. Additionally there are supplements that you can take to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is an umbrella term for a variety of daunting feelings that can make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, it can become a problem. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause 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 kicks in it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. This increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or breathless. 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 of not breathing. This could be a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.
Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder in light of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be causing your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.