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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a sense of restlessness, muscular tension and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety from time to times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It could be a sign you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.

You may also feel weak in your legs or arms, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for an attack. However, over time, those hormones can have the opposite effect on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you're stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to a regular routine to rest better. Exercise is also helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about options for treatment.

2. Stomach problems

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

People who suffer from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of terror or impending doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us respond to a danger however, if we're always on alert our immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to getting the common cold as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

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 can be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and specific fears. If someone suffers from these symptoms frequently they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are an indication of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting when we sense danger. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part 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 serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to flee or fight the threat. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. 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 off-balance when you are stressed. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes when the threat is gone. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed frequently, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers many different feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

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 begins, it boosts the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. The increased heart rate may make you feel dizzy or 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 cause the feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked 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 cases they may recommend medication 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 cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.