Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms's History History Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from 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

Most people feel anxious from time some point. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid position for a long period of time can cause pain.

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It could also be a sign that you suffer from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out.

You may also feel weak in your legs or arms, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which help you respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones can have a negative effect on your health, and may cause you to feel weak, shaky and weak or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if you're stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine to rest better. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also help. If you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety it can cause constant pain. There may be muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific situations or without a reason. You might feel as if you're experiencing an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues, too. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us respond to danger and if you're constantly in high alert throughout the day your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. They can rule out other reasons, such as thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is right for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or look up online directories of therapists to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms regularly, they can lose their range and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a chain of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce 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. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person you may be shaky and unbalanced. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried, your body tenses and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major impact on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can also increase the risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. There are treatment options 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 relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements that you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a range of frightening feelings that could make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder s, but if they're persistent and become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that make you seek medical attention.

Sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and out of breath. 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 that you can't breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and how they interfere with your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.