Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people feel anxious from time to time. But it's not the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.
Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown, migraine for some people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, which is why it is important to be checked out by your physician.
You may also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a possible attack. As time passes, these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and stick to your routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach issues
The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic pain. You may experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating or IBS.
There are stomach issues that can be experienced in any anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific situations or without a reason. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety can also increase your chances of developing other health problems. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to threats and if you're constantly always on alert all the time your immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to catching the common cold and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and an interview regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll determine if there are other causes like heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will also be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic muscle tension is a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or certain fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they can lose their range 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 series of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our survival instincts however, they can also cause long-term muscle issues when they are frequent or over a long period of time.
If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety condition your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious, so your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might be shaky or unbalanced in the event of anxiety. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared your body tightens and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms frequently, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or get enough sleep. It also causes havoc to your body and can cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.
You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.
Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can also increase your risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can trigger anxiety. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. 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 meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, they can become a problem. You may be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.
The habit of sweating is a common manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This increase 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 can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.
Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker 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.