Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension and stomach issues.
anxiety disorder separation , psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. 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
Most people feel anxious from time some point. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.
The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from the typical tension headache2 to full-blown migraine in some people. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3
Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition like heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked out by your physician.
You might be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. In time the hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine to get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach problems
The body is tense in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause constant discomfort. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel off or you can experience diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of terror or impending doom that can occur in certain situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse.
Long-term anxiety may increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to getting the common cold as well as other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, like thyroid or heart problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any negative or traumatic experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they do not realize that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.
When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that speed up the rate at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your arms and legs in case you have to flee or fight the threat. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and could eventually result in long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You may feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason for this has to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. When you are anxious or anxious your body tightens and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
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 lower your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical health condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. Most of the time, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing they can get out of hand. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical help.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or flight response begins, it boosts the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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.
Dyspnea is a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign your anxiety has become too severe to handle.
Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder based on your reported symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.