Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people feel anxious at times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them rigidly for a long time could cause pain.
Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could be a sign you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out.
You might be feeling weak in your arms or legs, which can be another indication 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 prepare your body for a potential attack. Over time, however, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky and weak or dizzy.
If you have trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and stick to your routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you're still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about options for treatment.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may cause chronic pain. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific situations or without apparent reason. It could feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems as well. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to danger and if you're constantly always on alert throughout the day your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold and other ailments.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or specific phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms regularly, they can lose their mobility and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated over a long period of time.
If a serious threat is present the adrenal glands crank out hormones that accelerate the speed at which your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in case you have to flee or fight the threat. 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 rest between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system is at a high level of alert. This leads to the continuous tensing of your muscles and may eventually lead to long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You may be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently 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 causes havoc to your body and can 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 skip periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce ovulation.
A high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.
A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery can also increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical health condition. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term used to describe for a range of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight or flight response begins, it boosts the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and 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 refers to a feeling that you are unable to breathe. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to manage.
Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety for a disorder based on your reported symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also perform tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medication to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.