7 Simple Changes That Will Make A Big Difference With Your Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist utilizes screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history, and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches The majority of people have anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain. Another symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician. You might also feel weak in the arms or legs this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which help you respond to a threat by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for a possible attack. Over time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy. If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and follow a routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach issues The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause constant discomfort. Your muscles might ache and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this could lead to constipation, bloating and IBS. You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to have them. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent danger. They can happen in specific circumstances or without any reason. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you can't breathe, and you may experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat. Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers and if we're alert, our immune system can be affected. This can make you more susceptible to contracting the common cold as well as other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They can rule out any other causes, like heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any traumas or negative experiences that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension While most people know that a heart racing and jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their mobility and feel constant discomfort in their neck, back and shoulders. Tense muscles may be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time. When a real threat occurs the adrenal glands crank out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to flee or fight danger. The increased heart rates also increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you have an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. You feel anxious all the while because of your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness You may feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think of something that worries or scares you, and then it relaxes when the threat is gone. If you experience these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a big effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to miss your periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce menstrual 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 have any of these conditions. Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, like asthma or diabetes, or a recurring medical condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause 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 help calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating disorders anxiety is a term that refers to many different feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to ache and your muscles to get tighter. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder—but when they're chronic and get out of hand. 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 The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or-flight response is activated, it increases the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. 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. Dyspnea is the feeling that you can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to manage. Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at 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 look for other health issues that may be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate your symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.