15 Of The Most Popular Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Bloggers You Should Follow
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 anxiety, muscle tension and stomach problems. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Many people feel anxious occasionally. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tighten 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 symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be a sign of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked out by your physician. You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which allow you to respond to a threat by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. In time the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. There are times when you may experience more symptoms if you are stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about treatment options. 2. Stomach problems Anxiety can cause the body to become tense and long-term anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating or IBS. It is possible to experience stomach problems in any anxiety disorder, however people with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from them. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or for no reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. It could feel like you're having an attack of the heart or that you can't breathe, and you might have chest pain or a rapid heartbeat. Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, as well as other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they will rule out other causes such as thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and assist you to deal with any trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is suitable 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. But, they don't know that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and specific phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their range and feel constant discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders. Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a series of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to long-term issues if they're repeated over a prolonged period of time. If a real risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that increase the speed of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rates also increase the speed of your lungs filling with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation could cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. When you have an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress responses. You are constantly stressed all the time because of your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on 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 You may be shaky or unbalanced when you are stressed. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up whenever you think about something that scares or worries you, but then relaxes when the threat is gone. If, however, panic anxiety disorder is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It can be difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or have irregular periods because it affects the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association. Having high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more susceptible to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist. Other things that can increase your risk for anxiety are traumatizing experiences like being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical illness. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is an umbrella term for a range of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing they can become out of control. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical care. The habit of sweating is a common manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or-flight response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for fighting or escape. The increased heart rate may make you feel faint or 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 that you can't breathe. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too intense to manage. Your doctor will evaluate you for an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll begin by asking about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also perform tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some cases they may recommend medication to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.