Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you suffer from an 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

Most people experience anxiety from time to some point. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and make you avoid social situations.

Headaches are a typical physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It can also be an indication of a major medical problem such as heart disease, which is why it is important to be checked by your physician.

You may be feeling weak in your arms or legs, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a possible attack. In time the hormones could have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and follow your routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you're still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could result in persistent pain. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from them. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that occur in specific situations or for no apparent reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you might have chest pain and a fast heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to a threat and if you're constantly on high alert throughout the day your immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to catching the common cold and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look up directories online 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 people do not realize that muscle tension can be a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder dsm 5 anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms regularly, they can lose their range of motion and feel constant pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be an indication of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a long time.

When there is a real danger 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 the event that you need to flee or fight the threat. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder behaviors disorder makes you feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. The reason for this is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, but then relaxes once the threat passes. However, if your anxiety disorder physical symptoms is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to fall asleep or concentrate 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 a significant impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.

High blood pressure or heart disease can make you more susceptible to anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if are suffering from any of the following conditions.

A traumatic experience such as a car crash or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can cause anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders definition disorders, but when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. This increased heart rate could cause you to 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 for generalized anxiety disorder.

Dyspnea is a feeling that you are unable to breathe. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders based on your reported 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 perform tests to check for other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

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