Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 to a complete migraine for some people. This is because many people tighten their muscles in response to the fight or flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could be a sign you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You may also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to threats by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for a potential attack. However, over time these hormones may have a negative effect on your health, and may cause you to feel weak, shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of Where does anxiety Disorder come from, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to a regular routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach issues

The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause chronic discomfort. There may be stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have a higher risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in specific situations or without a reason. You may feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an intense pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems also. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers and if we're on alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best medication for social anxiety disorder treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't know that muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. When a person experiences these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a sign of anxiety disorders psychology definition disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our instinctual survival instinct however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.

If a risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays at a high level of alert. This leads to the continuous tensing of your muscles and can eventually cause long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes once the threat passes. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder.

If you're stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard 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 also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Inform your therapist if you have any of these conditions.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety issues. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, there are supplements available to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to get tighter. Most of the time, these feelings don't constitute an does anxiety disorder ever go away disorders, but if they're persistent they can get out of hand. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that require medical help.

The habit of sweating is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or flight response begins, it boosts the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. This increased 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.

This imbalance can also lead to an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety disorder physical symptoms has become too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. You'll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that may be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.