Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone experiences anxiety at times When anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

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

1. Headaches

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

Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of severe anxiety disorder symptoms. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it is important to be checked by your physician.

You may also feel weak in the arms or legs, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. In time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine to rest better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also aid. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and chronic anxiety disorders diagnosis may lead to persistent pain. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems with any type of anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or terror of impending death. They can occur in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety may increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers however, if we're always on alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more prone to contracting the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't know that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight or flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our instinctual survival instinct however, they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they are frequent or over a long period of time.

If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed of your lungs filling up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of rest between stress reactions. You feel anxious throughout the day due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and can eventually cause chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pain and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason for this is to relate to the nervous system's response to Anxiety Disorder Zoloft. Your body is tense whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, and then relaxes once the threat passes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or focus when you are always worried. It also affects your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular periods due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events like being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing they can get out of hand. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical care.

Sweating is a typical 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 combat. The increased heart rate could 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. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.

Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how to deal with anxiety disorder without medication they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In certain instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.