What Is Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms? History Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history and conduct 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. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.
A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a complete migraine for some people. This is due to the fact that many people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart examined by your doctor.
You might also feel weak in the arms or legs this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
If you have trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you're still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and long-term anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles may ache, your stomach can feel off or you can get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
People suffering from panic disorders are at greater chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in specific circumstances or without a reason. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.
Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to a threat however, if you're in high alert throughout the day, your immune system can be affected. This could make you more susceptible to getting the common cold and other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can rule out other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is right 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 a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. But, they don't realize that muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. When a person suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.
Tense muscles may be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of responses that result in us physically reacting when we feel threatened. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.
If a risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be delivered to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays at a high level of alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and can eventually cause long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried your body tightens and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
If you're stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body and can cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.
You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.
Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery may also increase your risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical health condition. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Additionally there are supplements that you can take to calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Most of the time, these feelings aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical assistance.
The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorder s, 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 battle. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 may also cause the feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle.
Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to check for other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances they may recommend medication to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.