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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history, and run tests to rule other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious at times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 to a full-blown, migraine in some individuals. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged time can cause pain.





Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be a sign that you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.

You might also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. In time the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if you are stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician if you are still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. Your muscles could hurt, your stomach can feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at an increased chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in certain situations or without apparent reason. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health issues as well. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to a danger and if we're on high alert our immune system may be affected. This can increase your risk of contracting common colds, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes, such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If a person suffers from these symptoms frequently they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be an indication of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated over a prolonged period of time.

When a real threat occurs the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase the rate at which your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to escape or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you be constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system remains 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 could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance in the event of anxiety. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you're constantly worried. It also causes havoc to your body, and could cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more prone to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to bring these medical conditions under control to decrease your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues, such as diabetes, can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is an umbrella term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills or 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 is activated, it increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for fighting or escape. This increased heart rate could cause you to 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.

Dyspnea is the feeling of not breathing. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle.

Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder based on your reported symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that may be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to relieve symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.