Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into a disorder it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people feel anxious at times. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.
Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 up to a complete migraine for some people. panic anxiety disorder of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration could cause pain.
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could also be a sign that you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine.
You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for a potential attack. Over time, however, those hormones may have a negative impact on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak or dizzy.
There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and adhere to your routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Aerobic exercise 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 trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach issues
The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause constant pain. You might experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
There are stomach issues that can be experienced when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to have them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific situations or without any reason. You may feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.
Long-term anxiety may also increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us respond to threats however, if we're always alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more vulnerable to contracting the common cold as well as other ailments.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and a discussion regarding your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't realize that chronic muscle tension is a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms regularly they may lose their range and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, but they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated over a long time.
When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight danger. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you have an anxiety disorder your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. You are constantly stressed all the time because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a person who is anxious you may feel dizzy and off balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
When you're worried on a regular basis it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have an influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that trigger ovulation.
You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. disorders anxiety is essential to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.
Other things that could 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 like diabetes can create anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions which can alleviate anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. In addition there are supplements that you can take to help calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders, but when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that require medical assistance.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. This increase in heart rate may make you feel faint or 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 is a feeling that you can't breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.
Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders by looking at your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to determine if you have any other health problems that could be contributing to your symptoms, like bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.