Why Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Isn't A Topic That People Are Interested In. Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people feel anxious from time time. But it's not the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from an normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long duration could cause pain.


Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It can also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it is important to be checked by your doctor.

You might also feel weak in your arms or legs this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a possible attack. However, over time, those hormones can have a negative impact on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky and weak or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and stick to a routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also aid. Consult your physician If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up when you are anxious, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can cause chronic discomfort. You may experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

People suffering from panic disorders are at an increased chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers and if we're on high alert our immune system could be affected. This can 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. They will rule out other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they don't know that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders , such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that result in us physically reacting when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.

If a risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the rate at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This leads to the chronic tension of your muscles, which could eventually result in long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person, you may often feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think of something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are constantly worried. It also causes havoc to your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can also increase your anxiety risk. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can cause anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that require medical assistance.

Sweating is a common physical symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting 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.

Dyspnea is a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder based on your reported symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.