The 12 Most Unpleasant Types Of Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Users You Follow On Twitter
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems. A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people feel anxious at times. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or don't disappear. Anxiety can also affect your daily life and make you avoid social situations. The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from your normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. Many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them in a rigid way for a prolonged duration can cause pain. Dizziness or lightheadedness is another physical sign of anxiety. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It could also be an indication of a serious medical condition like heart disease, which is why it's crucial to have your heart checked by your physician. You might be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. In time, however, those hormones can have a negative effect on your health, and could cause you to feel shakey, weak, or dizzy. There are times when you may experience more symptoms if your anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to an established routine to sleep better. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping. 2. Stomach issues The body tenses up in response to anxiety and if you suffer from chronic anxiety, it can cause chronic pain. Your muscles might ache and your stomach may be irritable, or you may develop diarrhea. Your digestive system may be affected by the constant release of stress hormones which can cause constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome. You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, however people who suffer from panic disorders are more likely to suffer from stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden feelings of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or for no apparent reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're experiencing an attack on your heart or you're not breathing, and you might experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat. Long-term anxiety increases your risk of other health problems as well. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to a threat, but if you're in high alert all the time your immune system could suffer. This could make you more susceptible to contracting the common cold as well as other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like thyroid issues or heart disease, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to offer you support and help manage your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences which 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 look up online directories of therapists to find an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Although most people are aware that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or even specific phobias. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly, they may begin to lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their neck, back, and shoulders. Tense muscles are a common manifestation of anxiety disorder since the body's fight-or-flight response triggers a chain of responses that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts however, they can cause long-term issues if they're repeated or occur over a long period of time. When there is a real danger your adrenal glands pump out hormones that speed up how fast your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your arms and legs in the event that you need to flee or fight the threat. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your body isn't able to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel constantly anxious and your sympathetic nervous system is at a high level of alert. This leads to the chronic 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 causing stomachaches, 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. When you are worried or scared your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is recurring and you are experiencing these symptoms often you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It can be difficult to sleep or focus when you are constantly worried. It also affects your body and can cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce ovulation. You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist. A traumatic experience like a car accident or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical health condition. There are solutions for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative behavior patterns and thoughts that cause anxiety to positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to ache and your muscles to become tight. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing and get out of hand. You may be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt 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 boosts the speed of blood circulation to prepare you for battle. This increase in 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 refers to a feeling that you are unable to breathe. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to manage. Your healthcare provider will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily routine. They'll start by asking you about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also perform tests to check for other health issues that could be contributing to your symptoms, like bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances, they may recommend medications to relieve the symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.