Notes

The 10 Scariest Things About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Everyone feels anxious at times however, when anxiety develops into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Most people feel anxious occasionally. But it's not the same as being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't go away. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1


Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a full-blown, migraine in some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of a fight or flight response, and holding them rigidly for a long time could cause pain.

Lightheadedness or dizziness is another physical symptom of anxiety. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It can also be a sign of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, so it is important to be checked by your physician.

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

You might experience more severe symptoms if you're anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and stick to a routine. This will allow you to get more rest. Exercise can also be helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood. It can aid in falling asleep more easily. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach issues

The body is tense in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it could cause chronic discomfort. There may be stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. IamPsychiatry can also impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome.

You can experience stomach issues when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but those with panic disorders are more likely to have these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden feelings or terror of impending doom. They can happen in certain situations or without a reason. It could feel like you're having a heart attack or that you cannot breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an extremely rapid pulse.

Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health issues as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us respond to a threat however, if you're on high alert throughout the day your immune system may suffer. This can increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other diseases.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or heart disease, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and work through any traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered your anxiety. They can also help you determine the best treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or check online therapist directories to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety.

3. Muscle tension

Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't know that chronic muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly, they can lose their mobility and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.

Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we sense danger. Moderate anxiety levels elicit these responses as part our instinctual survival instinct however, they can cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of 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 delivered to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

When you have an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress reactions. You are constantly anxious throughout the day due to your anxiety disorder, so you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This causes the constant tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea or irritable-bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a stressed-out person you might be shaky and unbalanced. The reason is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or scared your body tightens and then relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and your anxiety is chronic you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried on a regular basis, 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 significant influence on your menstrual cycles. It's because it could cause you to miss or have irregular menstrual flow due to the inability to release hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

Having high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, and it's essential to bring these medical conditions under control to lower your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, be sure to tell your therapist.

Other factors that increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can help. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term used to describe for a whole cluster of daunting feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders however, when they become chronic, they can be a problem. You may also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical help.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a common physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight or flight response kicks in, it increases the rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. The increased heart rate can cause you to 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 refers to a feeling that you are unable to breathe. It's an indication that your anxiety has become too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder by evaluating your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to check for other health problems that could be the cause of your symptoms, such as imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might suggest medications to ease your symptoms. They can recommend strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium or other substances that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Here's my website: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-disorders