10 Reasons You'll Need To Learn About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time When anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Many people have anxiety from time to time. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations. Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your typical tension headache2 to full-blown migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies as part of the fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3 Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician. You might be feeling weak, especially 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. Over time these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. You might experience more severe symptoms if you are stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Relax before bed and follow a routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach problems Anxiety can cause the body to tighten up and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. There may be stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome. You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, but people with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific situations or without a reason. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an intense pulse. Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues, too. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us respond to threats and if we're alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more susceptible to catching the common cold and other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll determine if there are other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a racing pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they don't know that chronic muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms frequently they could lose their range and experience persistent discomfort 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 sequence of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a prolonged period of time. When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be delivered to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of rest between stress responses. You feel anxious all the while due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're a stressed-out person, you may often feel dizzy and off balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared your body tightens and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. It also causes havoc to 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 have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association. You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments. Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical illness. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into 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 an umbrella term for a variety of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder s, but if they're persistent they can become out of control. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention. The habit of sweating is a common sign 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 at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or 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 may also lead to the feeling of not being able to breathe, which is called dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to handle. Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may recommend medications to relieve symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.