Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of anxiety, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people have anxiety from time to time. But it’s not the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don’t disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1
A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine for some people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be a sign that you suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.
You might also feel weak in the arms or legs this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for a potential attack. Over time, these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to relax before bed and follow your routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you still have difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause your body to tense up and long-term anxiety can cause chronic pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
There are stomach issues that can be experienced when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or terror of impending danger. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you’re not breathing, and you might have chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers, but if we’re constantly alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more susceptible to getting the common cold as well as other illnesses.
Your doctor is able to diagnose separation anxiety disorder symptoms in adults disorders with an examination of your body and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not know that tension in the muscles is a indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If someone suffers from these symptoms frequently they may lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the 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 bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a long time.
If a risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder,, your body can’t return to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. The anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system is on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or off-balance if you are anxious. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system’s response to anxiety. Your body tenses up whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes after the threat has passed. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is chronic it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder.
It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. It also affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big influence on the menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods because it affects the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
High blood pressure or heart disease could make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it’s essential to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can trigger anxiety disorder physical symptoms. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors 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 encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to become tight. These emotions alone aren’t enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body’s fight-or flight response kicks in, it increases the rate that 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 can cause the feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It’s an indication that your anxiety is getting too severe to control.
Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily life. They’ll begin by asking you about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also perform tests to identify other health problems that could be causing your symptoms, including bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances they may recommend medication to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.