The Biggest "Myths" About Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Could Be True
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a problem, it can cause physical as well as emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine whether you have an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Many people experience anxiety from time to time. But that's different from having an anxiety disorder that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can also interfere with your daily life or cause you to avoid social situations.1
The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from a tension headache2 up to a complete migraine for some people. A lot of people tighten their muscles in a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them rigidly for a long period of time could cause pain.
Lightheadedness or dizziness is another symptom of physical anxiety. This could be caused by a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or a combination. It could be a sign you suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Consult your physician to find out.
You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. disorders anxiety can be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol which aids in responding to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. In time, however these hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky, weak, or dizzy.
If you are having trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Relax before going to bed and stick to a routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. Talk to your doctor in case you're having trouble sleeping.
2. Stomach issues
Anxiety can cause your body to become tense, and chronic anxiety can cause pain that persists for a long time. You may experience muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome.
It is possible to experience stomach problems when you suffer from any anxiety disorder, but people with panic disorders are more likely to suffer from stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or terror of impending doom. They can happen in specific situations or without a reason. It could feel like you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains or an extremely rapid pulse.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more susceptible to getting the common cold as well as other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They will rule out other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will also be able to offer you assistance and assist in managing your symptoms. They can assist you in learning techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying negative or traumatic experiences that may have caused your anxiety. They can also help you identify a treatment plan that is right 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
While most people know that a heart racing and hands that are jittery are indicators of anxiety, many people do not realize that muscle tension can be a physical 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 experiences these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their neck, back, and shoulders.
Tense muscles can be a symptom of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of reactions which result in us physically reacting when we feel threatened. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to problems in the long run if they are repeated or over a long period of time.
If a serious threat is present your adrenal glands pump out hormones that accelerate the rate at which your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight the threat. The increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time, so your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. This causes the constant tension of your muscles, which could eventually result in chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect the digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're an anxious person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. The body gets tense when you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes when the threat is gone. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms regularly, 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 affects your body, and could cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have an impact on your menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce ovulation.
A high blood pressure or heart disease could increase your risk of anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to decrease your risk. Tell your therapist if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.
Other things that could increase the risk of anxiety are traumatic events such as being involved in a car accident or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue like diabetes can trigger anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to help calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is an umbrella term for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. These symptoms alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder, but when they become chronic, they can be a problem. You might also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which prompt you to seek medical assistance.
Sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts your blood circulation rate to prepare you for the fight. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or out of breath. 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 that you can't breathe. This is a sign that your anxiety has grown too severe to handle.
Your doctor will test you for an anxiety disorder in light of your symptoms and the way they affect your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be the cause of your symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scanners. In some instances they may recommend medication to help ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs, or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as yoga or meditation.