10 Tips For Getting The Most Value From Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues. A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask you about your medical history and run tests to rule out any other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches The majority of people experience anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder is when these feelings are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your daily life and cause you to avoid social situations. Headaches are a typical physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine in some individuals. Many people tighten their muscles in a fight or flight response, and holding them in a rigid position for a long period of time can cause pain. Lightheadedness or dizziness are another physical symptom of anxiety. This could be caused by an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical condition like heart disease, and it's crucial to have your heart checked by your doctor. You may be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a danger by accelerating the heartbeat and preparing the entire body for an attack. In time these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. You might experience more severe symptoms if you're stressed and having difficulty sleeping. Relax before bed and follow a routine. This will allow you to get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. Aerobic exercise can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about treatment options. 2. Stomach issues Anxiety can cause the body to tense up and chronic anxiety may cause pain that persists for a long time. Your muscles may ache or your stomach may feel off or you can develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact the digestive system, causing constipation or irritablebowel syndrome. People who suffer from panic disorders are at an increased risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or dread that happen in specific circumstances or for no apparent reason, according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and an intense pulse. Chronic anxiety can increase your risk of other health problems, too. The hormones that trigger the symptoms of anxiety aid us in responding to threats and if you're constantly always on alert all the time your immune system may be affected. This could make you more susceptible to the common cold, and other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing a physical exam and interviewing you about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like thyroid issues or heart disease prior to determining you have anxiety. A mental health professional can provide support and assistance to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying trauma or negative experiences that might have led to anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is suitable for you. Ask your doctor for a referral, or look up online directories of therapists to locate a specialist in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a fast pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. But, they don't realize that muscle tension can be a sign of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder , social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and certain fears. When a person experiences these symptoms regularly they may lose their range of motion and experience chronic pain in their back, neck, and shoulders. Tense muscles can be an indication of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting when we feel threatened. These responses are a natural part of our survival instincts however, they can cause problems in the long run if they are repeated or over a long time. If a serious threat is present the adrenal glands crank out hormones that increase the speed 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. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you suffer from an anxiety condition your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. Your anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time which means that your sympathetic nervous system remains on high alert. This leads to the continuous tension in your muscles that may eventually lead to chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, diarrhea, constipation or irritable-bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness You might feel dizzy or off-balance when you are stressed. The reason for this is to be due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. If you are stressed or scared your body begins to tense and then it relaxes. If you experience these symptoms often and you feel your anxiety is chronic it could be that you suffer from an anxiety disorder. When you're worried on a regular basis, it can be hard to concentrate or get enough sleep. It also wreaks havoc on your body and can cause you to gain weight, as per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation. A high blood pressure or heart disease could make you more prone to anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. Talk to your therapist if have any of these conditions. Other things that can increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic experiences such as being involved in a car crash or having surgery. A chronic medical condition such as asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can also create anxiety. The good news is that there are treatments which can alleviate anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy, or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Additionally there are supplements you can take to relax your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term used to describe for a variety of threatening feelings that can cause your heart to beat, your stomach upset and your muscles tight. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorders but when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You may also experience sweating, chills or other physical symptoms which make you seek medical help. The habit of sweating is a common symptom of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. 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 increase in 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. This imbalance can cause the feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is getting too overwhelming to manage. Your doctor will test your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily life. They'll start by asking you about your experiences in the past and your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if you have any other health issues that may be causing your symptoms, including imaging scanners and blood tests. In certain instances, they might prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. These include strong antiperspirants containing aluminium and other drugs that block nerves and Botox injections in the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.