Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people experience anxiety from time to times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine
best drug for generalized anxiety disorder some people. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their 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 physical symptom of anxiety. This could be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It can also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, which is why it's important to get checked out by your physician.
You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. As time passes, these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and follow your routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. Consult your physician If you're still struggling to sleep.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause chronic pain. You may experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
People with panic disorders have greater risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or fear of imminent doom. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers however, if we're always on alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to contracting the common cold as well as other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose
anxiety disorders consequences disorders through a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll determine if there are other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also help you find a 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 fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders such as
generalized anxiety disorder medication anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and even specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they could lose their range and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part of our survival instincts however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.
If a serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in case you need to escape or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can increase the speed of your lungs filling with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you have an anxiety disorder your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. Your
what anxiety disorder disorder makes you be constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're an anxious person, you may often feel dizzy and off balance. The reason for this is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
If you're constantly stressed frequently, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body and may cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big influence on the menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
High blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to
Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to lower your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.
Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical illness. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. Additionally there are supplements you can take to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, they can become a problem. You may be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.
The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. The 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.
This imbalance may cause the feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle.
Your doctor will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they might recommend medications to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.