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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have 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

The majority of people experience anxiety at times. However, this is different from having 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.

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

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another symptom of physical anxiety. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It could also be an indication of a major medical issue like heart disease, so it’s crucial to have your heart examined by your physician.

You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for a potential attack. As time passes the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you are stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Relax before going to bed and adhere to a routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor if you are still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense when you are anxious, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can result in persistent pain. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at a higher chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in specific situations or without any reason. You might feel as if you’re having a heart attack or that you can’t breathe, and you may experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to a danger however, if we’re always on alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that might have led to your anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they don’t realize that muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and specific phobias. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body’s fight or flight response triggers a range of reactions which cause us to physically react when we feel threatened. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term issues if they’re repeated or over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present your adrenal glands release hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress-related responses. You are constantly stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and can eventually cause chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pain constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you’re a person who is anxious you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason for this is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared, your body tenses 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 constantly stressed often it can be difficult to concentrate or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Talk to your therapist if are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Other things that could increase the risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. In addition there are supplements available to calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a whole cluster of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms don’t constitute an anxiety disorder–but when they’re chronic, they can get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that make you seek medical help.

Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This increased heart rate can cause you to 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. This is a sign your anxiety has grown too severe to manage.

Your doctor will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They’ll begin by asking about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be causing your symptoms, including bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some cases, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.