Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however, when Anxiety Disorders Book develops into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a sense of anxiety, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious occasionally. But it's not the same as 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 cause you to avoid social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine for some people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast 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 is important to be checked by your physician.

You might be feeling weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which help you respond to a threat by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for a possible attack. As time passes the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and adhere to a routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause chronic discomfort. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may feel off or you can experience diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating and IBS.

It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have them. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or imminent doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety may increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to threats however, if you're on high alert all the time your immune system could suffer. This can make you more susceptible to catching the common cold as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor meds for generalized anxiety disorder a referral or check online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a heart racing and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder medication anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or even specific phobias. When a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a chain of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.

If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. You feel stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person, you may often feel dizzy and off balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to generalised anxiety disorder. When you are worried or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. It also wreaks havoc on your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

A high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to bring these medical conditions under control to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car crash or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety disorders causes to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. In addition there are supplements you can take to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can become out of control. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which require medical help.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or flight response is activated, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. This increased heart rate may make you 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 also cause a feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll begin by asking about your experiences in the past and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be causing your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.