Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people feel anxious from time to time. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear.
anxiety disorder without medication can affect your daily life and make you avoid social situations.
Headaches are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine for some people. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can lead to pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be a sign that you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out.
You may also feel weak in the arms or legs this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for a potential attack. In time the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can also be helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Talk to your doctor 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 cause chronic pain. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience 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. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues, too. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to threats and if we're on alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more prone to common colds, and other diseases.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any negative or traumatic experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor
drugs for anxiety disorder a referral, or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't realize that muscle tension can be an indication of
anxiety disorders description disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or
social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct, but they can cause long-term problems with muscles when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.
When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to flee or fight the danger. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or off-balance in the event of anxiety. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or worried your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that cause the ovulation.
Having high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if suffer from any of these ailments.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car crash or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical condition. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. In addition, there are supplements you can take to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is an umbrella term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.
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 boosts your blood circulation rate 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.
This imbalance could also lead to an uneasy feeling that you are not able to breathe, which is called dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety has become too overwhelming to manage.
Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder based on your reported symptoms and the way they affect your daily activities. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health problems that could be causing your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium and other
drugs for social anxiety disorder that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.
