Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into an illness anxiety disorder, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, stomach issues and more.

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

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings become continuous or more frequent. anxiety disorders in adults 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 the average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could be a sign you have a serious medical condition like heart disease. Talk natural ways to treat anxiety disorder your doctor to determine.

You might be feeling weak in your arms or legs and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. As time passes, these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and adhere to the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can help. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety it can cause constant discomfort. Your muscles may ache and your stomach may be irritable, or you may develop 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.

You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or imminent doom that can occur in certain situations or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to danger, but if you're on high alert all the time your immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have acute anxiety disorder. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a heart racing and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that tension in the muscles is a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder physical Symptoms disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently they may lose their mobility and experience persistent discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of responses that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

If a serious threat is present the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your legs and arms in case you have to flee or fight threat. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason for this is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried frequently it can be difficult to concentrate or sleep enough. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Traumatic experiences like a car crash or surgery can also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical health condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could cause problems. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which require medical assistance.

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 increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. The increased heart rate can 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 an indication that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.

Your doctor will determine if you have anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how to cope with anxiety disorder without medication they affect your daily routine. They'll begin by asking about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also run tests to identify other health issues that could be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.