Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history, and will run tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Another physical symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it’s important to get checked out by your physician.

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

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before going to bed and stick to the same routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

Anxiety can cause the body to become tense and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

It is possible to experience stomach problems in any anxiety disorder , but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to have them. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of terror or impending doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you’re having a heart attack or that you’re not breathing, and you might experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues also. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger and if we’re on alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more susceptible to common colds, and other illnesses.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. But, they don’t realize that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. When a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders as the body’s fight or flight response triggers a range of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we sense danger. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our survival instincts, but they can cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a long period of time.

When a real threat occurs your adrenal glands pump out hormones that accelerate the speed at which your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in case you have to flee or fight danger. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn’t able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which could eventually result in chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. The reason for this is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. When you are anxious or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These symptoms alone aren’t enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, they can cause problems. There are also sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that require medical assistance.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body’s fight-or-flight response kicks in, it increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for fight or escape. This increase in heart rate may make you feel dizzy or 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 is a feeling that you can’t breathe. It’s a sign that your anxiety is becoming too severe to control.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They’ll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medication to alleviate your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.