20 Myths About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms: Dispelled Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.

Headaches are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical symptom of anxiety. It can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked out by your doctor.

You may also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to a threat by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time, however, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of 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 also be helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause your body to become tense and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or imminent doom that can occur in certain situations or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an intense pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to a danger, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more prone to catching the common cold as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll determine if there are other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences that might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension


Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't know that tension in the muscles is a indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or certain phobias. When a person suffers from these symptoms frequently they may lose their range of motion and suffer from constant pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight or flight response triggers a chain of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or over a long period of time.

If a serious threat is present your adrenal glands pump out hormones that accelerate the rate at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to escape or fight the danger. disorders anxiety increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or off-balance in the event of anxiety. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think of something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is chronic it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly worried. It also affects your body and may cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Talk to your therapist if are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Other things that can 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 a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also create anxiety. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a variety of daunting feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, they can be a problem. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical help.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. The increased 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.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and the way they affect your daily activities. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health problems that could be causing your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.