Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious from time to time. But that’s different from having an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is headaches. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time can cause pain.

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This could be due to a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, and it’s important to get examined by your physician.

You may also feel weak in the arms or legs this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which help you react to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. Over time, however, those hormones can have a negative impact on your health and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and adhere to the same routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise is also helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician If you’re still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to tense up, and chronic anxiety can lead to persistent pain. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may feel off or you can get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific circumstances or without a reason. It could feel like you’re having an attack on your heart or you’re not breathing, and you might experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety increases your risk of other health issues also. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to a threat, but if you’re always on alert all the time your immune system may be affected. This can make you more susceptible to contracting the common cold and other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and a discussion about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that might have led to your anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is suitable 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 heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not know that muscle tension is a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they may lose their mobility and feel constant discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be a sign of anxiety disorders because the body’s fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. These responses 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 long period of time.

If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood is pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can’t return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. This leads to the continuous tension of your muscles, which could eventually result in chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pain constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason for this has to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. The body gets tense whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes when the threat is gone. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you’re constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety also has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. That’s because it can cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Talk to your therapist if suffer from any of these ailments.

Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. Additionally, there are supplements that you can take to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to tighten. Sometimes, these symptoms aren’t enough to constitute anxiety disorders, but if they’re persistent and get out of hand. There are also sweating, chills and other physical symptoms which require medical assistance.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body’s fight-or flight response is activated, it increases the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and dizzy. 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 that you are unable to breathe. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle.

Your doctor will evaluate you for an anxiety disorder in light of your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily activities. They’ll begin by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In certain instances they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.