The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, 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 inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people feel anxious from time to time. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and make it difficult to participate in social situations. A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid position for a long duration can cause pain. Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. It could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could be a sign you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine. You may be feeling weak in your legs or arms this could be another indication of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. As time passes these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to a regular routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach issues The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety it can cause chronic pain. Your muscles may ache and your stomach may be irritable, or you may get diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating or IBS. People who suffer from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or imminent doom that happen in specific circumstances or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse. Chronic anxiety can increase the chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers and if we're on alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more susceptible to common colds, and other ailments. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes such as thyroid or heart problems. 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 work through any traumas or negative experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or browse online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder , social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders. Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight or flight response triggers a chain of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts but they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated over a long period of time. If a serious threat is present, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase the rate at which your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to escape or fight the danger. The increased heart rates also increase the speed of your lungs filling up with oxygen. The combination of tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you suffer from an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and long-term pain. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're an anxious person you might feel dizzy and off balance. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense whenever you think about something that scares or worries you, and then it relaxes once the threat passes. If you are experiencing these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. When you're worried on a regular basis it can be difficult to concentrate or get enough sleep. It also causes havoc to your body and may cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation. You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist. Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can also increase your risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical health condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of daunting feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills 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 begins, it boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle or escape. This increase in 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 of not breathing. This could be a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to manage. Your doctor will test you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they affect your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your previous experiences and your current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In certain instances they may suggest medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.