Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although 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 anxiety, muscle tension and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious at times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings become persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from an normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could be a sign you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.

You might also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. In time, however, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant pain. There may be stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

People with panic disorders have an increased risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that can occur in certain situations or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to a threat however, if you're on high alert all the time your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to contracting the common cold as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and support in managing 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 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 people do not know that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or even specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range and feel constant discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are an indication of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a long time.

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

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder,, your body can't return to its normal state of rest between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system remains on high 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 your digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. It also causes havoc to your body and can cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a major impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce the ovulation.

A high functioning anxiety disorder blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions.

Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can trigger anxiety disorders definition psychology. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and become out of control. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. This increase in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 for Generalized anxiety Disorder.

This imbalance can also lead to 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 assess your anxiety disorders by looking at your symptoms and the way they affect your daily routine. They'll begin by asking about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that could be causing your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.