Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people feel anxious occasionally. However, this is different from having an anxiety disorder which is when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine in some people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.
You may also feel weak in your arms or legs and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This what is anxiety panic disorder because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a possible attack. Over time, however, those 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.
You might experience more severe symptoms if you're stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Relax before going to bed and stick to a routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach problems
gerd anxiety disorder can cause your body to become tense and chronic anxiety may cause chronic pain. You might experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating or IBS.
People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher chance of developing stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or dread that occur in specific situations or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're experiencing an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you may experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health issues as well. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to react to dangers, but if we're constantly alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more susceptible to catching the common medications for anxiety disorders cold as well as other diseases.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety disorder yoga. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that might have led to anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best drug for generalized anxiety disorder treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or search online directories for an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a long period of time.
When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up the speed at which 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 escape or fight the danger. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you have an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system is at a high level of alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can cause chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a person who is anxious you might be shaky and unbalanced. The reason is to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared, your body tenses and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
When you're worried often, 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 cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.
A high blood pressure or heart disease can make you more prone to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical issues under control to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.
Other factors that increase your risk for anxiety are traumatic experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical illness. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses many different feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise, your stomach to upset and your muscles to become tight. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, they can cause problems. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you meds for generalized Anxiety Disorder battle. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and out of breath. 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 may also cause the feeling of not being breathing and is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too intense to manage.
Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.