This Week's Top Stories About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone experiences anxiety at times If anxiety develops into a disorder it can cause physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension, and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious from time time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become constant or frequent. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

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

Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It could be a sign you are suffering from an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to determine.

You may also feel weak in your arms or legs this could be another indication of anxiety.  disorders anxiety  is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which help you react to danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. In time these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shakey or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine so that you can rest better. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also aid. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. There may be stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, which can cause constipation, bloating and IBS.

People with panic disorders have an increased risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent doom. They can occur in certain situations or without a reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains, and an extremely rapid pulse.

Chronic anxiety can increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us respond to a danger and if we're on alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more prone to the common cold, as well as other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They can rule out other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option 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 a hand that is jittery are indications of anxiety. But, they don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and even specific phobias. If someone is experiencing these symptoms frequently they could lose their mobility and feel constant discomfort 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 series of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting to perceived threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these reactions as part of our natural survival instinct however, they can also cause long-term problems with muscles when they are frequent or over a long period of time.

If a real risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood can be pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the rate at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

If you suffer from an  anxiety disorder , however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. You feel anxious all the while 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 can eventually cause long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think about something that worries or scares you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

If you're constantly stressed often, it can be hard to focus or get enough sleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. That's because it can cause you to miss or experience irregular menstrual cycles because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

panic anxiety disorder  that could increase your risk for anxiety are traumatizing experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes, or a recurring medical condition. 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), which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. In addition there are supplements you can take to relax your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to tighten. Most of the time, these feelings aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic they can get out of hand. You may be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical treatment.

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 the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for the fight. The increased 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 can also cause an uneasy feeling that you are not breathing or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too intense to manage.

Your doctor will test your anxiety for a disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also run tests to look for other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.