The 10 Worst Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
While everyone feels anxious 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 agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history, and run tests to rule other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people experience anxiety from time to some point. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long time can cause pain.
Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical sign of anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could be a sign you suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.
You may also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a possible attack. In time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
You may experience worse symptoms if you're anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can also be helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.
2. Stomach issues
The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also 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 dread that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation 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 a rapid pulse.
Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers however, if we're always on high alert our immune system may be affected. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other diseases.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't know that tension in the muscles is a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, but they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.
When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system is on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.
If you're a person who is anxious you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
When you're worried often it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. It also causes havoc to your body and may cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that cause ovulation.
High blood pressure or heart disease could increase your risk of anxiety, so it's important to get these medical problems under control to lower your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.
A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery can also increase your risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can also create anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. In addition, there are supplements available to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term used to describe for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can get out of hand. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.
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 begins, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for fighting or escape. This increase in heart rate can 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 the feeling of not breathing. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.
Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily activities. You'll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to identify other health issues that may be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances, they may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.