Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences
anxiety disorder physical symptoms from time to time, when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people have anxiety from time to time. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long period of time can cause pain.
Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, and it's important to get checked out by your doctor.
You might also feel weak in your legs or arms this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. However, over time, those hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.
You might experience more severe symptoms if you're stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and stick to your routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can help. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach problems
The body tightens up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety it can cause chronic pain. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
There are stomach issues that can be experienced when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of terror or impending doom that can occur in certain situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you may experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety may increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms help us respond to threats, but if you're always on alert throughout the day your immune system could suffer. This could make you more prone to the common cold, and other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experience that might have led to anxiety. They can also help you determine the best treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or look up online directories of therapists to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
While the majority of people know that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder treatment (
visit the up coming document) anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or certain fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their mobility and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a symptom of
separation anxiety disorder treatments disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which cause us to physically react when we sense danger. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.
If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event that you have to escape or fight. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. You feel anxious all the while due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This leads to the continuous tensing of your muscles and could eventually result in long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a person who is anxious you may 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 it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
When you're worried on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Inform your therapist if you have any of these conditions.
A traumatic experience such as a car crash or surgery may also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic
illness anxiety disorder, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical illness. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of daunting feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could become a problem. You may also experience 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 begins, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. This increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or breathless. 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 cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing or breathe, which is known as 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 life. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
