Why Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Isn't A Topic That People Are Interested In Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. But that's different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1 Headaches are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long period of time could cause pain. Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could also be a sign of a serious medical issue like heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked by your doctor. You might 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 allow you to respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. Over time, however these hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak. If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise is also helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment. 2. Stomach issues The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent death. They can happen in specific circumstances or without any reason. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you can't breathe, and you might have chest pain and a fast heartbeat. Long-term anxiety may increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats and if we're on alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to common colds, and other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension While the majority of people know that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not realize that tension in the muscles is a indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. When a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders. Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight or flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that cause 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 over a long period of time. If a real risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate of your lungs filling up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. When panic anxiety disorder have an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress-related responses. You are constantly anxious all the while due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pain constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're an anxious person you may be shaky and unbalanced. The reason for this is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes after the threat has passed. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. When you're worried frequently it can be difficult 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. 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 may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist. Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery can increase your risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical illness. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally there are supplements that you can take to help calm your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term that covers many different feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to tighten. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can become out of control. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment. The habit of sweating is a common symptom of anxiety disorder s, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's “fight-or-flight” response kicks in it increases your blood circulation rate to prepare you for battle. The increased 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 also cause the feeling of not being able to breathe or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle. Your healthcare provider will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.