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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.

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

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings become continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.

The most frequent physical sign of anxiety is headaches. disorders anxiety can range from a tension headache2 to a full-blown, migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This can be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could be a sign you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.

You might also feel weak in the arms or legs and arms, which could be a indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a possible attack. Over time, however these hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak 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 stick to the same routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician if you are still struggling to sleep.

2. Stomach issues

The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent pain. There may be stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or IBS.

People with panic disorders have greater chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or fear of imminent death. They can occur in certain situations or without any reason. You might feel as if you’re having a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us respond to danger however, if you’re on high alert throughout the day, your immune system can be affected. This can make you more susceptible to common colds, and other illnesses.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they do not realize that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be an indication of anxiety disorders because the body’s fight or flight response triggers a series of responses that cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or occur over a long period of time.

If a serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase how fast your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your legs and arms in case you have to flee or fight threat. These increased heart rates also increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety-related condition your body isn’t able to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays in high alert. This leads to the continuous tension of your muscles, which can eventually cause chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You might feel dizzy or out of balance in the event of anxiety. This is due to the nervous system’s response to anxiety. When you are worried or worried, your body tenses and then relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder.

When you’re worried frequently, it can be hard to concentrate or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. panic anxiety disorder has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease may increase your risk of anxiety, so it’s important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

A traumatic experience like a car crash or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Additionally there are supplements you can take to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach ache, as well as your muscles tight. These emotions alone aren’t enough to trigger anxiety disorder but when they become chronic, it could cause problems. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that make you seek medical help.

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 speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle. This increase in 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.

Dyspnea refers to a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They’ll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health problems that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may recommend medication to ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.