20 Myths About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms: Dispelled

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious from time to time, when anxiety becomes a problem, it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

The majority of people experience anxiety occasionally. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety are headaches. They can range from the average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical sign of anxiety. It can be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It could be a sign you have a serious medical condition like heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine.

You might also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which allow you to respond to a threat by increasing your heart rate and getting your body ready for a potential attack. As time passes, these hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

If you are having trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and adhere to a routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can also be beneficial. Exercise can help. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach issues

The body is tense in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause chronic pain. You might experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect the digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or a fear of imminent danger. They can occur in specific situations or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and a rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to threats and if you're constantly always on alert throughout the day your immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to catching 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. They can rule out other causes, like thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is right 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 twitchy pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they don't realize that muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they may lose their mobility and feel constant discomfort 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 chain of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part of our instinctual survival instinct however, they can also lead to long-term muscle problems when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your arms or legs in the event that you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the rate at which your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. You are constantly anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, causing stomachaches diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. This is 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 after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed frequently it can be difficult to focus or sleep enough. 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. That's because it can cause you to skip or have irregular menstrual flow because it affects the release of hormones that induce ovulation, according to the American Psychological Association.

You may be more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It's important to control these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.

Other factors that increase your risk of anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car accident or having surgery. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can cause anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can help with anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally, there are supplements you can take to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a broad term for a range of daunting feelings that can make your heart race and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. Oftentimes, these feelings don't constitute an  anxiety disorders , but if they're persistent they can become out of control. There are also sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical assistance.

Sweating is a common physical symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for combat. This increase 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.

Dyspnea is a feeling of not breathing. This is a sign your anxiety has become too severe to handle.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances they may suggest medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.