Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people experience anxiety from time to times. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because a lot of 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 physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could be a sign you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to find out.

You may also feel weak in your legs or arms, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for an attack. In time, however, those hormones can have a negative impact on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak or dizzy.

If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician If you're still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to become tense, and chronic anxiety can lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems in any mixed anxiety and depressive disorder disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in certain situations or without a reason. You might feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to threats, but if you're on high alert all the time your immune system could suffer. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any negative or traumatic experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or look up online directories of therapists to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not realize that muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they could lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical 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. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real threat occurs your adrenal glands pump out hormones that increase the rate at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to flee or fight threat. The increased heart rates also increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system stays on high functioning anxiety disorder alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried your body tightens and then it relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. It also wreaks havoc on your body ocd and gerd anxiety disorder disorder (have a peek at this site) can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.

A high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more prone to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery can also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical illness. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn 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 that you can take to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical help.

The habit of sweating is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or flight response kicks in, it increases the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. 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 best medicine for generalized anxiety disorder.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety for a disorder in light of your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.