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What Is Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms? History Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also ask about your medical history, and run tests to rule other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people have anxiety from time to times. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also interfere with your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from the average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3
Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It can also be an indication of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart examined by your physician.
You may also feel weak in your arms or legs this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. As time passes these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to a regular routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Exercise can help. If you're still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.
2. Stomach problems
The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause chronic pain. Your muscles might ache, your stomach can be irritable, or you may experience diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in specific situations or without any reason. It could feel like you're having an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us respond to threats and if we're on alert, our 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 a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or specific fears. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their range and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a common sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of bodily reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts, but they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long time.
If a serious threat is present the adrenal glands crank out hormones that accelerate how fast your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to escape or fight the danger. These increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety condition, your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress-related responses. You are constantly anxious all the while due to 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 causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You might feel dizzy or out of balance if you are anxious. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes when the threat is gone. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly worried. It also wreaks havoc on your body and can cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. 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 ovulation.
A high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist.
Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery may also increase your risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is an umbrella term for a variety of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders, but when they become chronic, they can become a problem. 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 begins, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for fight or escape. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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.
Dyspnea refers to a feeling of not breathing. It's a sign that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.
Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances they may recommend medication 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 behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.