Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms 10 Things I'd Loved To Know In The Past
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues. A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Many people feel anxious from time time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid position for a long duration could cause pain. Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It could also be a sign that you suffer from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out. You might be feeling weak in your legs or arms, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. However, over time these hormones may have a negative effect on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak. You might experience more severe symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about options for treatment. 2. Stomach issues Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt, your stomach can be irritable, or you may develop diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones which can cause constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome. People suffering from panic disorders are at greater risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent death. They can happen in specific situations or without any reason. You may feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse. Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to threats, but if you're on high alert throughout the day your immune system could suffer. This can make you more vulnerable to contracting the common cold and other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any negative or traumatic experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is right 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 jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not realize that muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they may lose their mobility and experience persistent pain in their back, neck and shoulders. Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that cause us to physically react 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. If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event you have to flee or fight. Those increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system is on high alert. This causes the constant tensing of your muscles and can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pains, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness You may feel dizzy or out of balance in the event of anxiety. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes when the threat is gone. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. When you're worried often it can be difficult to concentrate 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 an impact on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to miss or have irregular periods because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association. You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions. Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally there are supplements that you can take to help calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term used to describe for a variety of threatening feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tight. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. 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. Dyspnea refers to a feeling that you can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage. Your doctor 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 you about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to identify other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.