Ten Situations In Which You'll Want To Be Aware Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from the average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be an indication of a major medical condition like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You might also feel weak in your legs or arms this could be another indication of anxiety. disorders anxiety is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. In time the hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you are stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and adhere to a routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor If you're still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent pain. Your muscles might ache and your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems with any type of anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from them. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or imminent doom that can occur in certain situations or for no apparent reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues as well. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help 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 susceptible to contracting the common cold and other ailments.

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 before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any negative or traumatic experiences that might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a series of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.

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

If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You feel anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance in the event of anxiety. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is chronic it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed frequently, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods due to the inability to release hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.


High blood pressure or heart disease can increase your risk of anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally there are supplements available to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. These emotions alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, it could be a problem. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical help.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. 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 the feeling that you are unable to breathe. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health problems that could be causing your symptoms, like bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.