7 Simple Changes That'll Make The Difference With Your Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at times however, when anxiety develops into a condition it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people have anxiety from time to some point. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also impact your daily life and make you avoid social situations. Headaches are a common physical symptom of anxiety. They can range from your average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. This is because many people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles in a rigid position for long periods of time can cause pain.3 Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety. This can be caused by rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination of both. It could also be a sign that you suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine. You might also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which help you react to a threat by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your body for an attack. As time passes, these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and adhere to your routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. Consult your physician in case you're having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach problems The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic discomfort. You may 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, or irritable bowel syndrome. People suffering from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of terror or impending doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain and a fast heartbeat. Long-term anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems also. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger, but if we're constantly on alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more prone to the common cold, and other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting a a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as heart disease or thyroid problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any traumas or negative experiences which may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or search online directories for an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension While the majority of people know that a racing heart and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not know that muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or even specific fears. When a person suffers from these symptoms frequently, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience persistent pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight or flight response triggers a cascade of responses that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated over a long time. If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate 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 have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs are filled with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to return to its normal state of rest between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious which means that your sympathetic nervous system is in high 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 an anxious person you might be shaky and unbalanced. The reason for this is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. When you're worried frequently, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer, and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant effect on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce ovulation. Having high blood pressure or heart disease may make you more prone to anxiety, which is why it's crucial to get these medical issues under control to decrease your risk. If you're suffering from any of these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist. Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can also increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness like asthma or diabetes or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are treatments that can ease anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation. You can also take supplements to help calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating panic anxiety disorder is a term that refers to a wide range of feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach to ache and your muscles to tighten. Oftentimes, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing, they can get out of hand. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, it increases the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle. 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 is becoming too severe to control. Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily routine. You'll be asked about your previous experiences as well as current concerns. They may also perform tests to identify other health issues that could be causing your symptoms, including bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them and other drugs that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.