Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious from time to time, when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people experience anxiety from time to times. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.

A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from an typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it is important to be examined by your doctor.

You may also feel weak in the legs or arms, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which help you react to danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for a potential attack. As time passes the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine to get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you're still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety, it could result in persistent pain. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of having stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you can't breathe, and you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers, but if we're constantly alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, and other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and a discussion about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused your where does anxiety disorder come from (www.google.Dm). They can also assist you to determine the best medicine for social anxiety disorder treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized treating anxiety disorders disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they may lose their mobility and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a sign of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event you need to run away or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

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

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person you might be shaky and unbalanced. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.

Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery can increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered 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, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety disorder treatment without medication-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical care.

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 kicks in it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. This increase 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 may also lead to the feeling of not being breathing and is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how long do anxiety disorders last they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to look for other health issues that may be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.