20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious at times, when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and make you avoid social situations.

Headaches are a typical physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine for some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid position for a long period of time can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out.

You might also feel weak in your legs or arms 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 potential attack. As time passes the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and stick to the same routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea.  natural remedies for anxiety disorder  can also impact your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems with any type of anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to have them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent danger. They can occur in certain situations or without a reason. It could feel like you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to a threat, but if you're always on alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This could make you more prone to common colds, and other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, like thyroid or heart problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is right 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

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don't know that muscle tension is a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or specific fears. If a person suffers from these symptoms frequently they may lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of responses that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress 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 rest between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and 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 may gain weight. Anxiety can also have an influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that trigger menstrual ovulation.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical health condition. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a range of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, it can cause problems. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that require medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign 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 fighting or escape. This increased heart rate may make you feel dizzy or breathless. 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 cause the feeling of not being breathing properly, which is called dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is becoming too severe to control.

Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They'll begin by asking about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may recommend medications to relieve the symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.