A Look At The Ugly The Truth About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems. A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Many people feel anxious at times. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, which is when the symptoms are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations. The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from the typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response and securing those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can lead to pain.3 Another physical symptom of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to find out. You might also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. disorders anxiety can be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. However, over time, those hormones can have the opposite impact on your health and could cause you to feel shakey and weak or dizzy. If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and follow the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can help. If you are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about treatment options. 2. Stomach problems Anxiety can cause your body to tense up and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. Your muscles may ache and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome. People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or imminent doom that occur in specific situations or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse. Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to danger, but if you're on high alert throughout the day your immune system could suffer. This could make you more susceptible to catching the common cold and other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will also be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and assist you to overcome any underlying trauma or negative experiences that might have led to your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or search online directories for an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a racing pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their range and suffer from chronic discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders. Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders as the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct, but they can cause long-term problems with muscles when they happen frequently or over a prolonged period of time. If a real risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of heightened stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you have an anxiety condition your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system remains at a high level of alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could 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 a stressed-out person you may feel dizzy and off balance. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried your body tightens and then it relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycles. This is because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow by affecting the release of ovulation-inducing hormones, according to the American Psychological Association. You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. Tell your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments. A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery may also increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical health condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to tighten. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to cause anxiety disorders, but if they're persistent they can become out of control. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment. Sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the rate that your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel exhausted and 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 may also cause an uneasy feeling that you are not able to breathe, which is called dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle. Your doctor will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them or other substances that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.