Ten Situations In Which You'll Want To Know About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension and stomach issues. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people feel anxious occasionally. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, which is when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long duration could cause pain. Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. It can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be a sign that you have a serious medical condition like heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine. You might also feel weak, particularly in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aid in responding to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for an attack. However, over time, those hormones can have a negative effect on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky, weak, or dizzy. If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and follow the same routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor if you are still having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach issues Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and chronic anxiety may 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, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific circumstances or without a reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you cannot breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse. Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems as well. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers however, if we're always on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to getting the common cold and other ailments. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, such as heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experiences that might have led to your anxiety. They can also help you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check online therapist directories to find an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not realize that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. If a person suffers from these symptoms frequently they may lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders. Tense muscles are a common symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or flight response triggers a series of responses that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses 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. If a serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that accelerate the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your arms and legs in case you need to flee or fight danger. The increased heart rates also increase the rate of your lungs filling with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you have an anxiety-related condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system stays on 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 can cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness You may feel dizzy or off-balance if you are anxious. The reason for this is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. Your body tenses up whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, and then relaxes when the threat is gone. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you're always worried. It also causes havoc to your body, and could cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular periods by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association. High blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist. A traumatic experience such as a car crash or surgery can also increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical health condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term that refers to many different feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders, but when they become chronic, they can be a problem. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical care. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's “fight-or-flight” response kicks in it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for combat. This increase in heart rate may make you feel faint or 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 could also lead to the feeling of not being breathing or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to handle. 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 your past experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be causing your symptoms, including bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.