Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. 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 have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious occasionally. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them rigidly for a long period of time can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical sign of anxiety. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, so it is important to be examined by your doctor.

You may be feeling weak in your arms or legs, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a threat by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you’re stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before going to bed and follow the same routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also aid. Consult your physician in case you’re struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles might ache, your stomach can be irritable, or you may develop diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

There are stomach issues that can be experienced when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. According to disorders anxiety , panic attacks are sudden feelings or terror of impending doom. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you’re experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety may increase your risk of developing other health issues. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms assist us in responding to danger, but if you’re in high alert throughout the day, your immune system can be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can also offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. When a person experiences these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back, and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body’s fight or flight response triggers a cascade of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time.

If a serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase the rate at which your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your arms and legs in case you need to flee or fight the threat. The increased heart rate can increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder your body isn’t able to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious all the while because of the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on 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 can cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance when you are stressed. This is because of the nervous system’s response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared your body tightens and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you’re stressed 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 influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.

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 decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other factors that increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical illness. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race, your stomach to upset and your muscles to tighten. Most of the time, these feelings don’t constitute an anxiety disorders, but if they’re persistent, they can become out of control. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When disorders anxiety -or flight response is activated, it increases the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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.

This imbalance may also cause a feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It’s an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You’ll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to check for other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium and other drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.