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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however, when anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious at times. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.





One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from an normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This could be due to 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. Consult your doctor to find out.

You may also feel weak in your 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 speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for a possible attack. However, over time these hormones may have a negative impact on your health and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to relax before bed and follow your routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

There are stomach issues that can be experienced in any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from them. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that occur in specific situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you may experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety may increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to threats, but if we're constantly on high alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more prone to catching the common cold as well as other ailments.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes like thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. www.iampsychiatry.com can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a chain of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.

When a real threat occurs your adrenal glands pump out hormones that increase how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your arms and legs in case you need to flee or fight the threat. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety-related condition, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. You are constantly stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body tightens and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

A high blood pressure or heart disease may increase your risk of anxiety, which is why it's crucial to bring these medical conditions under control to decrease your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

Other factors that increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical health condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally there are supplements you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase in heart rate may make you 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.

Dyspnea is the feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you have anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.