The 12 Most Unpleasant Types Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms The Twitter Accounts That You Follow
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time If anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. This can include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also ask you about your medical history and run tests to rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people have anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become constant or frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations. Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 to a complete migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies in response to the fight or flight response and holding their muscles for prolonged periods of time can cause pain.3 Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of the two. It could also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, so it's important to get checked by your physician. You may also feel weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which help you react to danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. Over time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. You might experience more severe symptoms if you are stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Relax before bed and adhere to the same routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise can be beneficial. Exercise can also help. Consult your physician if you are still having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach issues Anxiety can cause your body to become tense and long-term anxiety can lead to persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. You can experience stomach issues with any type of anxiety disorder, but people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to experience these issues. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or dread that occur in specific situations or without explanation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you're unable to breathe, or you might experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat. Long-term anxiety can also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones responsible for fighting or flight that cause the symptoms of anxiety help us respond to threats however, if you're on high alert all the time your immune system could suffer. This could make you more prone to the common cold, and other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and an interview regarding your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as thyroid issues or heart disease, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which might have contributed to your anxiety. They can also assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or browse online therapist directories to locate a specialist in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a twitchy pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension could be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain phobias. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the 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 bodily reactions that cause us to physically react to perceived threats. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated or over a long period of time. When a real danger is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your legs or arms in the event that you have to escape or fight. The increased heart rate can boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of heightened tension and hyperventilation could make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder makes you feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this could 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 If you're a person who is anxious, you may often be shaky and unbalanced. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body tightens and then it relaxes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. If you're stressed on a regular basis, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body, and could cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a big impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation. You may be more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you have any of these conditions. Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery may also increase your anxiety risk. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also create anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to change negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or meditation. In addition, there are supplements you can take to calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term used to describe for a whole cluster of threatening feelings that can make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute 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 care. According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical sign of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight or flight response is activated, it increases the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. 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. Dyspnea is a feeling of not breathing. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too overwhelming to manage. Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they impact your daily routine. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants that contain aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.