Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious at times, when anxiety disorders statistics becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

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

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious from time to time. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in some individuals. Many people tense up their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long time could cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical symptom of anxiety. It can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, which is why it's important to get examined by your physician.

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 cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. As time passes the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine to rest better. Exercise is also helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause your body to tense up and chronic anxiety may cause chronic pain. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort 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 or IBS.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in specific circumstances or without any reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us respond to threats, but if you're in high alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This could increase your risk of contracting common colds, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll determine if there are other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any traumas or negative experiences which might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an what anxiety disorder feels like specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a heart racing and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic muscle tension is a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently, they can lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a cascade of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions what are the anxiety disorders a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the rate of your lungs filling with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. You feel stressed all the time due to the anxiety disorder social anxiety, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can 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 worries or scares you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger Anxiety disorder social phobia into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent and become out of control. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical help.

Sweating is a typical physical manifestation 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 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.

This imbalance may also lead to the feeling of not being breathing and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.