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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach problems.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history, and run tests to rule other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people feel anxious occasionally. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1
Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, and it is important to be examined by your doctor.
You may also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. Over time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
There are times when you may experience more symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow a regular routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can also help. Consult your physician If you're still struggling to sleep.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles may ache and your stomach may be irritable, or you may get diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating or IBS.
It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience them. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that can occur in certain situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're having an attack of the heart or that you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems also. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats and if we're on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to getting the common cold and other ailments.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. disorders anxiety can also teach relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or search online directories 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 know that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently they may lose their mobility and experience persistent discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a sign of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our instinctual survival instinct however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.
When a real threat occurs the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase how fast your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your arms and legs in case you need to escape or fight the threat. The increased heart rate can increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
When you have an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and could eventually result in long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason for this has to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, but then relaxes once the threat passes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're constantly worried. It also affects your body and may cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big influence on the menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles due to the inability to release hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.
A high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more susceptible to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical illness. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to help calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.
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 increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and dizzy. 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 a feeling of not being able to breathe and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to handle.
Your healthcare provider will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
