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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times If anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

A common physical symptom of anxiety are 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 response, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration could cause pain.

Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician.

You might be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which help you respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and prepare your body for an attack. As time passes, these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine to rest better. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can help. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety it can result in persistent pain. There may be stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems with any type of anxiety disorder, but people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent death. They can happen in certain situations or without a reason. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an intense pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to danger however, if you're always on alert throughout the day, your immune system can be affected. This can increase your risk of contracting the common cold, as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment 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 twitchy pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. But, panic anxiety disorder don't realize that muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their mobility and experience persistent pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.

When there is a real danger the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight danger. These increased heart rates also increase the speed of your lungs filling with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of rest between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. This leads to the continuous tensing of your muscles and may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pain and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.





4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or out of balance when you are stressed. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense whenever you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a big influence on the menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per 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 decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Other things that can increase the risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety issues. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. Most of the time, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent and become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills or 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 rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. The increased 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.

This imbalance may also lead to an uneasy feeling that you are not able to breathe, which is called dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has grown 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 life. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health problems that could be causing your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medications to relieve your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.