Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use 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 which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people feel anxious from time some point. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 to a complete migraine in some individuals. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long time can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could be a sign you are suffering from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out.

You may be feeling weak in your arms or legs and arms, which could be a indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for a potential attack. Over time, however, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to relax before bed and follow your routine to sleep better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician if you are still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause chronic discomfort. You may experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have a higher risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or imminent doom that can anxiety disorder cause nausea occur in certain situations or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to react to dangers however, if we're always on alert our immune system could be affected. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other diseases.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a discussion regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experience that might have led to your anxiety. They can also assist you in locating the best medication for generalized anxiety disorder treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety disorder home remedies.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand What are the Anxiety disorders indicators of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized what anxiety disorder disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their mobility and feel constant pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be an indication of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of reactions which result in us physically reacting when we feel threatened. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they are frequent or over a long period of time.

If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety-related condition your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of alert. This leads to the continuous tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you might be shaky and unbalanced. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried your body tightens and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you're constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have an influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce ovulation.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to bring these medical conditions under control to decrease your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Traumatic experiences like a car crash or surgery can also increase your risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes, or a recurring medical health condition. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. In addition there are supplements available to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders but when they become chronic, it can become a problem. There are also sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical assistance.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of separation anxiety disorder disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. 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 can cause the feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too severe to manage.

Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder based on your reported symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, what are the anxiety disorders including imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.