The History Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times If anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people have anxiety from time to some point. 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

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from the average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long duration can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical sign of anxiety. This could be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You might also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for a possible attack. In time, however these hormones can have a negative effect on your health and could cause you to feel shakey or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

You might experience more severe symptoms if you are stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to a regular routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety it can result in persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

There are stomach issues that can be experienced in 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 fear of imminent danger. They can occur in certain situations or without apparent reason. It could feel like you're having an attack of the heart or that you're unable to breathe, or you might have chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to a threat, but if you're on high alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through physical examination and an interview regarding your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, such as heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or certain fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently, they can lose their range of motion and feel constant discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are an indication of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we feel threatened. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our instinctual survival instinct however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event that you have to escape or fight. Those increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason for this is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from 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 also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions 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 mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent they can become out of control. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.

The habit of sweating is a common symptom 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 of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and 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. panic anxiety disorder of Medicine.

This imbalance could also lead to an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing properly, which is called dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder based on your reported symptoms and the way they impact your daily activities. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to check for other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, like bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.