Your Worst Nightmare Concerning Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Get Real

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, stomach issues and more. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder . They will also ask about your medical history and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people feel anxious occasionally. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings are constant or frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1 The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from an normal tension headache2 up to a complete migraine in a few people. A lot of people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response, and retaining them rigidly for a long time can cause pain. Another physical sign of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or an amalgamation of both. It could also be an indication of a serious medical issue like heart disease, and it is important to be examined by your physician. You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which allow you to respond to a threat by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for a potential attack. Over time these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy. If you're having difficulty getting enough sleep due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Relax before bed and adhere to a routine. This will help you get more rest. Exercise is also helpful. Exercise can also aid. If you are still having difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about options for treatment. 2. Stomach issues Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. There may be stomach pain, muscle aches or diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of having stomach issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or fear of imminent doom. They can happen in specific circumstances or without a reason. You might feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you are unable to breathe. You may also experience chest pains and an intense pulse. Long-term anxiety can increase the risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms can help us react to dangers however, if we're always on alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other ailments. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorder s by conducting physical examination and an interview about your symptoms. They can rule out any other reasons, such as thyroid or heart problems prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you overcome any underlying trauma or negative experience that may have caused your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the appropriate treatment 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 heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that muscle tension is a physical indication of anxiety disorder s such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) or panic disorder, or even specific fears. If someone experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from persistent pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part of our instinctual survival instinct however, they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time. When a real threat occurs, your adrenal glands churn out hormones that increase the rate at which your heart beats so that it can pump more blood to the big muscles in your legs and arms in the event that you need to escape or fight the danger. These increased heart rates also increase the speed that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you have an anxiety disorder your body isn't able to return to its normal state between stress responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system remains in high alert. This leads to the chronic tension of your muscles, which may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason for this has to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body begins to tense and then relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent, you may have an anxiety disorder. If you're stressed often 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 to miss your periods or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce the ovulation. You are more prone to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments. Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can increase your risk of anxiety. A chronic medical condition, such as asthma or a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, can also cause anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy or talk therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can aid. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements available to relax your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tense. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical help. 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 kicks in, it increases the rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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. This imbalance can cause the feeling of not being able to breathe, which is called dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety has become too severe to control. Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety for a disorder in light of your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities. You'll be asked about your past experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to identify other health issues that may be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In some cases they may suggest medications to ease the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.