Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious from time to time If anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people feel anxious from time time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become constant or frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It could be a sign you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You may also feel weak in your arms or legs this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a possible 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 anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow your routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Consult your physician in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. You might experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems in any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific situations or without apparent reason. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues as well. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause the symptoms of anxiety help us respond to threats however, if you're in high alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This could make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any traumas or negative experiences which might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also assist you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look up directories online for an anxiety disorder stress management specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain phobias. If someone suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a chain of responses that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they are frequent or over a long period of time.

When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that accelerate how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to flee or fight the danger. The increased heart rates also increase the speed of your lungs filling up with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety-related condition your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. You feel anxious all the while due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you might be shaky and unbalanced. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared your body tightens and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a big effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

A high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety what are the anxiety disorders traumatic experiences, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical condition. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise 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 ongoing and become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that require medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight or flight response begins, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for fight or escape. This boost 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 could cause the feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is becoming too intense to manage.

Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

좋아요 0