Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Sooner

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

While everyone feels anxious from time to time, when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms, as well as emotional ones. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more.

A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions which may 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 do not disappear. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1

A common physical symptom of anxiety are headaches. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a full-blown migraine in some people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long period of time can cause pain.

Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you suffer from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Consult your doctor to determine.

You might also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a threat by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. As time passes the hormones can have a negative effect on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.

You might experience more severe symptoms if your stressed and are having trouble sleeping. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can also be beneficial. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Talk to your doctor If you're still having trouble sleeping.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety, it can cause constant discomfort. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this can lead to constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome.

People suffering from panic disorders are at a higher risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in certain situations or without a reason. You may feel like you're experiencing a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you might experience chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Long-term anxiety may also increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers, but if we're constantly on high alert, our immune system can be affected. This could make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold as well as other illnesses.

Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a physical examination and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can offer support and help you manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experience that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best 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

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that tension in the muscles is a indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms frequently, they can lose their mobility and experience persistent discomfort in their neck, back 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 trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated over a prolonged period of time.

When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your legs and arms in case you have to flee or fight threat. The increased heart rate can increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of rest between stress reactions. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system stays at a high level of alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which could eventually result in long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomach pain constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

You may feel dizzy or out of balance when you are stressed. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or anxious, your body tenses and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried frequently it can be difficult to concentrate or sleep enough. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a big impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause ovulation.

You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist.

Traumatic experiences like a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. A recurring medical condition like asthma or chronic health issues like diabetes can also cause anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches you to turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements you can take to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to ache and your muscles to get tighter. These symptoms alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. There are also sweating, chills or other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or flight response begins, it boosts the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for battle or escape. This increase in heart rate could cause you to feel dizzy or 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 has become too overwhelming to manage.

Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders in light of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. They'll begin by asking you about your past experiences and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to identify other health issues that could be the cause of your symptoms, like imaging scanners and blood tests. In  coping with anxiety  may recommend medications to relieve symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections around sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.