Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences
anxiety disorders causes at some point however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people feel anxious from time to time. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.
A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. This is due to the fact that many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly
treatments for anxiety disorders long periods of time can cause pain.3
Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, and it is important to be checked by your doctor.
You might also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. Over time, however these hormones can have a negative impact on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky, weak, or dizzy.
You might experience more severe symptoms if you are stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and stick to the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about treatment options.
2. Stomach problems
The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause constant discomfort. You may experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating or irritable bowel syndrome.
It is possible to experience stomach problems with any type of anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety increases your risk of other health issues, too. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to react to dangers, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more susceptible to getting the
common medications for anxiety disorders cold and other ailments.
Your doctor can diagnose
anxiety disorder test disorders through a a physical exam and
Anxiety Disorders Causes interviewing you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that may have caused anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. But, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from constant pain in the neck, back and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or
Anxiety Disorders causes flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long period of time.
When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you need to run away or fight. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of rest between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you be constantly anxious and 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 chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a stressed-out person you may feel dizzy and out of balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried, your body tenses and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are always worried. It also causes havoc to your body, and could cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association,
separation anxiety disorder can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.
You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Inform your therapist if you have any of these conditions.
Other things that could increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car accident or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes or a chronic medical health condition. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change 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 available to help calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to get tighter. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can get out of hand.