10 Things You Learned From Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a sense of anxiety, 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 which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious at times. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations.

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from the typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of time can cause pain.

Another physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be a sign of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, which is why it's important to get examined by your physician.

You might also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a possible attack. In time, however these hormones can have a negative effect on your health and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine to rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Consult your physician in case you're having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

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 also affect your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

There are stomach issues that can be experienced when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to have stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that can occur in certain situations or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety increases your risk of other health issues as well. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to threats, but if we're constantly alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more susceptible to common colds, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and an interview regarding your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which may have caused your anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or certain phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently, they can lose their range of motion and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a cascade of responses that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated or over a long period of time.

If a serious threat is present your adrenal glands pump out hormones that accelerate how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to flee or fight the threat. These increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious all the while because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pains, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance when you are stressed. 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 you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed often, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. According to  panic anxiety disorder , it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Talk to your therapist if suffer from any of these ailments.

A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can also create anxiety. 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 behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of threatening feelings that can make your heart beat faster, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent and become out of control. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.

The habit of sweating is a common symptom 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 battle. 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.

This imbalance can cause the feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that could be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In certain instances they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.