What Is The Heck Is Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms? Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder


Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by 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 disorder. They will also ask about your medical history, and run tests to rule other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious occasionally. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and make you avoid social situations.

A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response, and holding those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked out by your doctor.

You might also feel weak in the arms or legs, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for a possible attack. However, over time these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, and could cause you to feel shakey, weak, or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if you're anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and stick to the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. If you're still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause your body to tense up and long-term anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. You may experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues with any type of anxiety disorder , but people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from these 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 may feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to danger however, if you're always on alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This can make you more prone to the common cold, and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination of your body and asking 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 will be able to provide assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to find 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 realize that muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. When a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part of our instinctual survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.

If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost 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 escape or fight. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of rest between stress reactions. You feel anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pain and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes once the threat passes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed often, it can be hard 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 influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

Traumatic experiences such as a car crash or surgery may also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical illness. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers many different feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. These emotions alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, they can be a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that make you seek medical attention.

Sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or-flight response is activated, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. 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.

This imbalance can also lead to the feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too severe to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.