Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, such as stomach muscle tension, pain, and headaches. It can also trigger breathlessness, fear or a sense of dread.
Feelings like this may occur occasionally, but it is essential to speak with your physician if they continue. You may require your primary care physician or therapist or psychiatrist (who are medical professionals who specialize in mental health issues). You can locate a professional therapist using online directories.
Headaches
People suffering from anxiety disorders experience excessive, persistent worry and fear that affects their everyday activities. The anxiety and fear are out of proportion to the actual danger and difficult to control. They can last for a long period of time. If not treated, they can lead to problems like heart disease and depression. Stimulants like caffeine, certain substances and some medications can make anxiety symptoms worse.
Most people experience nervousness or anxiety from time time. This kind of anxiety is usually triggered by a specific concern about the way a person performs at work or in a family gathering. However, for people with anxiety disorder it's a constant state of anxiety that causes them to avoid places or situations in which they fear their worries might occur.
When you encounter something that scares you, your brain sends a signal for your body to prepare to fight or escape. This triggers your heart to race and your blood pressure increase and your muscles tighten. This response is normal but if you are experiencing it all the time it can be difficult to lead a normal life.
While there's no test medically valid to diagnose anxiety, there are many tests that a psychiatrist or a mental health professional can perform to determine if there are other conditions that could be responsible for your symptoms. They will inquire about your physical and emotional symptoms, how long you've been suffering from them, and how they affect your daily life. They will want to know if you are taking any medications or substances that could cause your symptoms to worsen.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist can assist you to discover and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that contribute to your anxiety. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you deal with your anxiety and find relief from your symptoms. The most common method of talking therapy is cognitive behavior therapy or CBT which helps you identify and alter the patterns of thinking that trigger anxiety. Antidepressants, antianxiety medication such as SSRIs fluoxetine, and beta-blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure as well as relieve
anxiety symptoms in menopause symptoms.
Muscle Tension
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety disorders is muscle tension. While everyone experiences some tension throughout their lives, those who suffer from anxiety typically feel it on a more frequent basis. They also experience it in more places on their body than people who don't suffer from anxiety. They might even experience it in areas of their bodies that do not have anything to do with the root of their stress, like their stomachs, heads, or eyes.
The moderate levels of fear, anxiety, or panic are a normal component of the human survival instinct when someone or something is perceived as threatening. When a person feels anxious, their bodies release hormones to help them fight or flee from a potential threat. This can cause the heart to beat, the hands to shake and the body to become sweaty. These responses can be helpful in certain situations, however, when they happen frequently or without reason it is not a good idea.
If the person's fears are connected to a particular situation, such as flying or being in crowds, they could be suffering from an anxiety disorder known as social anxiety or phobias. These people have a deep fear that they will be embarrassment or even humiliated in certain situations. They will avoid these situations.
Another form of
chronic anxiety physical symptoms is generalized anxiety disorder, that is excessive worrying on a regular basis concerning issues like money, family, work or health problems. These worries can trigger other physical symptoms, such as muscle tension and sleep problems.
People suffering from these disorders can seek help from their primary physician or a mental healthcare professional. They'll use tools in order to determine whether the symptoms are physical, and will recommend stress management or psychotherapy. Some people find that support groups, whether they are in person or on the internet, can be helpful. These groups can help people realize that they're not alone, and provide a safe space to discuss symptoms. Reducing the amount of caffeine they consume and getting some exercise like a vigorous bike or walking can also help.
Belly Pain
Anxiety can affect digestion which can cause stomachaches and a decrease in appetite. It can also trigger a"fight-or-flight" response, which means that the body releases hormones and chemicals like adrenaline to raise heart rate and blood pressure in preparation for a stressful event. These short-term effects may be helpful in a dangerous situation, but prolonged exposure to these chemicals can result in weight increase,
high anxiety symptoms cholesterol and heart disease, as well as other health issues.
If you're experiencing a lot of anxiety and worry it's time to talk to your doctor about it. You could be referred to psychologists, psychiatrists, or another professional in mental health who can help you diagnose the condition and decide on the best treatment options. The first step is to identify the physical causes of your
behavioral symptoms of anxiety, like a health issue or medication you are taking. The doctor can help you come up with strategies that could include psychotherapy and medication.
There is no one test that can be used to diagnose anxiety disorders. A doctor will have to look over your medical history in order to determine whether the symptoms you're experiencing are caused by an illness that is medical in nature. Then, they'll conduct tests and employ various tools to assess your anxiety level like questionnaires and physical exams.
If your doctor has ruled any physical reason that could be causing your
anxiety symptoms tongue and has a plan for you to follow, they will guide you towards the best treatment. They might prescribe antianxiety or antidepressant medicines, like SSRIs (escitalopram, paroxetine and fluoxetine) and SNRIs (duloxetine and venlafaxine) that can alter your brain chemistry to improve your mood and reduce stress. Other medications that treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, which provide short-term relief of symptoms, and anxiolytics such as buspirone.
The outlook for those suffering from anxiety disorders is optimistic Treatment can ease your symptoms and improve your living quality. In addition to medications, you can try lifestyle changes. Exercise can release brain chemicals that reduce stress. Avoid caffeine because it can increase anxiety symptoms. Being connected to family and friends is important. Self-help groups or support groups are an excellent way to share your experience with others and seek advice.
Sleep Issues
A lack of sleep can make anxiety worse and create a vicious cycle. Sleep deprivation can increase cortisol levels which can cause anxiety to increase. In turn, anxiety can prevent you from sleeping, which can increase cortisol and stress levels and makes it even harder to sleep.
People with anxiety disorders could struggle to fall and stay asleep due to the anxiety, dread or anxiety they feel about their personal security, job performance, or relationships. They also have a tendency to be distracted which may hinder their ability to achieve deep sleep.