Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a sense of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine whether you suffer from
anxiety disorders resources disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people feel anxious from time some point. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life or cause you to avoid
social anxiety disorder dsm 5 situations.1
Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position
best medication for generalized anxiety disorder a long time can cause pain.
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it's important to get examined by your doctor.
You may also feel weak in the arms or legs and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to a threat by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready
best drug for anxiety disorder a potential attack. Over time these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause chronic pain. Your muscles might ache, your stomach can feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.
People suffering from panic disorders are at greater chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You may feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.
Long-term anxiety may increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to threats and if you're constantly in high alert all the time, your immune system can suffer. This can make you more susceptible to the
common medications for anxiety disorders cold, as well as other diseases.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and an interview about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they do not realize that muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their mobility and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated over a long period of time.
When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be delivered to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event you have to escape or fight. Those increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you have an anxiety-related condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress responses. You feel stressed all the time because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This leads to the chronic tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a stressed-out person you might feel dizzy and off balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared, your body tenses and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
When you're worried often, it can be hard to concentrate or get enough sleep. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.
Having high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, so it's important to get these medical problems under control to reduce your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety disorder physical symptoms [
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5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to ache and your muscles to become tight. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment.
The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 may also lead to the feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety has become too severe to control.
Your doctor will test you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they affect your daily activities. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
