20 Myths About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms: Dispelled

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people experience anxiety from time to some point. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from tension headache2 up to a complete migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long period of time could cause pain. Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could be a sign you are suffering from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your physician to determine. You might also feel weak in your arms or legs, which can be another sign of anxiety. 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 an attack. As time passes these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy. If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and stick to your routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. panic anxiety disorder can also aid. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options. 2. Stomach problems Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may be irritable, or you may experience diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. It is possible to experience stomach problems 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 fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains or a rapid pulse. Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers, but if we're constantly alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting physical examination and a conversation regarding your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, such as heart disease or thyroid problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension While the majority of people know that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or certain phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly, they can lose their mobility and suffer from chronic discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders. Tense muscles may be a sign of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can also cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time. When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. When you have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day because of the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're a person who is anxious you may be shaky and unbalanced. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or worried your body tightens and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder. If you're stressed frequently, it can be hard to concentrate or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular periods because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association. A high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more susceptible to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical problems under control to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments. Traumatic experiences like a car crash or surgery may also increase your risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. In addition there are supplements that you can take to calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a broad term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder—but when they're chronic and get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention. 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 kicks in it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for combat. This increase in heart rate could 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. This imbalance could cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle. Your healthcare provider will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.