20 Myths About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms: Dispelled
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness 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 other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people feel anxious from time to time. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is due to the fact that many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3 Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. It can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It could be a sign you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out. You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which helps you respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones can have a negative effect on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak. If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and stick to the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can also help. If you're still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options. 2. Stomach issues The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it can cause constant pain. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome. People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that occur in specific situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or a rapid pulse. Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to danger, but if you're in high alert all the time, your immune system can suffer. This can make you more susceptible to catching the common cold and other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indicator 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 suffering from these symptoms regularly they may lose their range and suffer from chronic discomfort in their 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 bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time. If a risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event you need to run away or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of rest between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're a stressed-out person, you may often be shaky and unbalanced. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It can be difficult to sleep or focus when you are constantly worried. It also wreaks havoc on your body, and could cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association. A high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to get these medical issues under control to reduce your risk. Talk to your therapist if suffer from any of these ailments. A traumatic experience such as a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical attention. Sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight or flight response is activated, it increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for fight or escape. This boost 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. This imbalance can cause the feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too severe to control. Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety for a disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily life. You'll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.