"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people feel anxious from time to time. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a complete migraine in a few people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and holding their muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could be a sign you are suffering from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out.

You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time, however these hormones can have a negative impact on your health and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

You may experience worse symptoms if your stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before going to bed and stick to a routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about possible 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 might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel 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 suffer from stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or imminent doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety help us respond to threats however, if you're always on alert throughout the day, your immune system can be affected. This can make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and a discussion regarding your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also aid you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to locate a specialist in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not realize that muscle tension can 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 experience constant pain in the back, 5097533.xyz neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a chain of reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part our survival instincts, but they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time.

When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the rate of your lungs filling up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system is at a high level of alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, 5097533 diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person, you may often feel dizzy and off balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce the ovulation.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Traumatic experiences such as a car crash or surgery can also increase the risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues, such as diabetes, can also trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you to turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers many different feelings that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical 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 the fight. The increased 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 a feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too intense to manage.

Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They'll begin by asking about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be causing your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.