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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

Most people have anxiety from time to time. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations.

Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from an normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid position for a long period of time can cause pain.

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It can also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it is important to be checked by your doctor.

You might 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. In time the hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and adhere to your routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also help. If you're still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach problems





Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and long-term anxiety can cause chronic pain. Your muscles might ache, your stomach can feel off or you can experience 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 irritable bowel syndrome.

People with panic disorders have greater risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent death. They can happen in specific circumstances or without a reason. It could feel like you're experiencing an attack on your heart or you can't breathe, and you might experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety help us respond to threats, but if you're in high alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other diseases.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't know that muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their range and experience persistent discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our natural survival instinct however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

If a risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the rate at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety disorder your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system remains on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tensing 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 a stressed-out person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes when the threat is gone. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic, you may have an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried on a regular basis, it can be hard 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 can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that trigger menstrual ovulation.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have 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 factors that increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. In addition there are supplements you can take to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to ache and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and become out of control. There are also chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical assistance.

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 battle or escape. This increase in heart rate could cause you to 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.

Dyspnea is a feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact 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 could be the cause of your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances they may recommend medication to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.