The No. One Question That Everyone In Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Should Be Able Answer
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. An
anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.
Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine in some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them rigidly for a long duration could cause pain.
Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical symptom of anxiety. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, and it's important to get examined by your doctor.
You may also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to threats by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for an attack. As time passes these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if you're stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. Consult your physician if you are still struggling to sleep.
2. Stomach issues
The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it could result in persistent pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
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 doom. They can happen in certain situations or without a reason. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.
Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to a threat however, if you're in high alert throughout the day, your immune system can suffer. This can make you more prone to getting the common cold and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't know that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and feel constant pain in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our instinctual survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.
When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase the rate at which your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to escape or fight the danger. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You feel stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This causes the constant tension in your muscles that could eventually result in long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. 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 in the event of anxiety. The reason for this has to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. Your body is tense whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
If you're stressed 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 can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.
You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery can increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical health condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing they can get out of hand. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms which require medical help.
Sweating is a typical physical manifestation 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 at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. This increase in heart rate could cause you to feel dizzy or 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.
This imbalance may also lead to a feeling of not being able to breathe and is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.
Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your experiences in the past and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.