15 Best Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Bloggers You Should Follow
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people feel anxious from time times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and make you avoid social situations.
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 tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long period of time can cause pain.
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This could be due to a fast heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination of both. It could be a sign you have a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your physician to determine.
You may also feel weak in the legs or arms this could be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which help you react to danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health, and may cause you to feel weak, shaky, weak, or dizzy.
If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and adhere to a routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment.
2. Stomach problems
The body is tense when you are anxious, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent discomfort. You might experience stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.
People with panic disorders have a higher chance of developing stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that can occur in certain situations or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're not breathing, and you may experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers and if we're alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other illnesses.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can rule out other causes such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which may have caused your anxiety. panic attacks can also assist you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or check online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly they could lose their mobility and feel constant pain in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles may be a sign of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of responses that trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they are frequent or over a prolonged period of time.
If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal resting state between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious all the time, so 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 stressed-out person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or worried your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you are experiencing these symptoms often you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to sleep or concentrate when you are constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. This is because it can cause you to miss or have irregular periods by affecting the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.
High blood pressure or heart disease may make you more susceptible to anxiety, so it's important to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Other factors that increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical condition. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. In addition, there are supplements you can take to help calm your body and mind.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that covers a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing they can become out of control. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical help.
Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. 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 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 is a feeling of not breathing. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too overwhelming to manage.
Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder by looking at your symptoms and the way they impact your daily life. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be contributing to your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In some cases, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.