Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety disorders medicine becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if 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 have anxiety from time to times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them rigidly drugs for social anxiety disorder a long time could cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical sign of anxiety. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.

You may also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a potential attack. Over time, however these hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and could cause you to feel shakey, weak, or dizzy.

If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to a regular routine to rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

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

People who suffer from panic disorders are at greater chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks what are the anxiety disorders sudden feelings or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific circumstances or without a reason. You might feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or a rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to respond to a danger and if we're on alert our immune system may be affected. This can increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other ailments.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through physical examination and an interview regarding your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, like heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best medication for generalized anxiety disorder treatment option that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

While most people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not know that muscle tension is a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently, they can lose their range and experience persistent discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a series of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part of our natural survival instinct, but they can cause long-term muscle issues when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the rate at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you have an anxiety disorder, your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. This leads to the chronic tensing of your muscles and may eventually lead to long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're an anxious person you might be shaky and unbalanced. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that worries or scares you, and then relaxes when the threat is gone. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried 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 could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. That's because it can cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more prone to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical issues under control to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical illness. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger Anxiety disorders ocd to positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, it could be a problem. There are also sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which make you seek medical assistance.

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 increases the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This increased heart rate may make you 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.

Dyspnea is the feeling of not breathing. It's an indication that your anxiety has become too overwhelming to manage.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to identify other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.