This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems. A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Many people experience anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become constant or frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations. Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time can cause pain. Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It could be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of the two. It can also be an indication of a major medical problem such as heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked by your doctor. You might be feeling weak in your arms or legs, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you 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 impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy. If you have trouble getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to relax before bed and follow a regular routine to sleep better. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician If you're still having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach problems The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating and IBS. You can experience stomach issues with any type of anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience them. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an intense pulse. Chronic anxiety can also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to react to dangers however, if we're always alert, our immune system can be affected. This can make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes like thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you to identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Tense muscles are a typical manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or flight response triggers a cascade of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long time. If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you have to escape or fight. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you have an anxiety condition your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of alert. This leads to the chronic tension of your muscles, which could eventually result in long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness You may be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. The reason for this is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a big effect on your menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to skip or have irregular periods because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association. You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist. Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery may also increase your risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders . Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term that covers an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders, but when they become chronic, it can become a problem. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or flight response kicks in, it increases the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. 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. This imbalance can also lead to the feeling of not being breathing and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to manage. Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety for a disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.