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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety becomes a disorder it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of restlessness, muscular tension and stomach issues.

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 run tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious at times. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1





A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from the normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them rigidly for a long duration can cause pain.

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it's crucial to have your heart checked by your doctor.

You might also feel weak in your legs or arms and arms, which could be a indication 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 preparing your body for a possible attack. However, over time, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to relax before bed and follow a regular routine to get more rest. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also aid. Consult your physician in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

Anxiety can cause your body to become tense and long-term anxiety can cause chronic pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at a higher risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent doom. They can happen in specific circumstances or without any reason. It could feel like you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you're unable to breathe, or you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety may also increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to threats however, if you're on high alert all the time, your immune system can be affected. This could make you more prone to common colds, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any negative or traumatic experiences that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also help you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While the majority of people know that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that muscle tension is a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or even specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms frequently they could lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight or flight response triggers a chain of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our survival instincts, but they can cause long-term muscle issues when they are frequent or over a long period of time.

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

If you have an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you be constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of 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, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. The reason for this is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think of something that worries or scares you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed often, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. That's because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow due to the inability to release hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic events such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. browse around these guys can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to ache and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic they can get out of hand. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.

Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. The increased 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 may also lead to the feeling of not being able to breathe and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily routine. They'll begin by asking about your experiences in the past and current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.