10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Author : Castaneda Zimmermann | Published On : 05 May 2024
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety DisorderEvery person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of agitation, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
The majority of people feel anxious from time times. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings become continuous or more frequent. anxiety self-help can affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.
Headaches are a typical physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long duration can cause pain.
Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. It can be caused by rapid 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 important to get checked out by your doctor.
You may also feel weak in the legs or arms, which can be another indication of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which allow you to respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and getting your body ready for a potential attack. Over time, however these hormones may have a negative impact on your health and may cause you to feel weak, shaky and weak or dizzy.
If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could cause your symptoms to get worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. If you still have difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about options for treatment.
2. Stomach problems
The body tightens up in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. You may experience stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.
It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to experience stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or terror of impending death. They can happen in certain situations or without any reason. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you might have chest pain and a fast heartbeat.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to danger, but if you're in high alert all the time your immune system may suffer. This could make you more prone to getting the common cold and other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. They can rule out other causes, like heart disease or thyroid problems before determining that you suffer from anxiety. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered your anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. But, they don't realize that muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from chronic pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that cause us to physically react when we feel threatened. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated or over a long period of time.
When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to be constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tensing and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're a person who is anxious you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense when you think of something that scares or worries you, but then relaxes when the threat is gone. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are always 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 influence on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow due to the inability to release ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association.
You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions.
Other things that could increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic events, such as being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical health condition. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to help calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that refers to a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic and get out of hand. You may be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.
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 your blood circulation rate to prepare you for combat. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or 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 refers to a feeling of not breathing. This could be a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.
Your healthcare provider will determine if there is an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll begin by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some instances, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.
