Why Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Isn't A Topic That People Are Interested In Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.
A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history and run tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people feel anxious from time time. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration could cause pain.
Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It can also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked out by your physician.
You may be feeling weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a potential attack. Over time, these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.
If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and adhere to the same routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also help. If you still have difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach issues
The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety, it can cause constant pain. There may be stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.
People suffering from panic disorders are at an increased 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 situations or without a reason. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.
Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety help us respond to threats, but if you're always on alert throughout the day, your immune system can suffer. This can make you more prone to catching the common cold as well as other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is right for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. But, they don't realize that muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms regularly they could lose their mobility and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles may be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we sense danger. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time.
If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the speed that your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you have an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. You feel stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're an anxious person you may feel dizzy and off balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think of something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes once the threat passes. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.
High blood pressure or heart disease may make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions.
Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety are traumatizing experiences, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical illness. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic and become out of control. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical care.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. This boost 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 cause a feeling of not being breathing, which is called dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is becoming too severe to control.
Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety for a disorder based on your reported symptoms and the way they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may recommend medications to relieve the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium and other drugs that block nerves and Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.