10 Of The Top Mobile Apps To Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Every person experiences anxiety at some point however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling restlessness, muscle tension and stomach issues.

A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also ask about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms.

1. Headaches

Many people have anxiety from time to some point. 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 routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1

Headaches are a common physical symptom associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 all the way to a complete migraine for some people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can cause pain.3

Lightheadedness or dizziness are another symptom of physical anxiety. This could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating or an amalgamation of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical problem such as heart disease, and it is important to be checked by your physician.

You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This could be a sign of stress. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to a danger by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your entire body for a potential attack. However, over time, those hormones may have a negative effect on your health, and can make you feel shaky and weak or dizzy.

If you have trouble getting enough rest due to anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to your routine so that you can get more rest. Exercise can be beneficial. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood. It can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about treatment options.

2. Stomach problems

The body is tense when you are anxious, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. There may be stomach discomfort, muscle pain or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones, and this could lead to constipation, bloating, or IBS.

People with panic disorders have a higher risk of having stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of fear or imminent doom that happen in specific circumstances or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're experiencing an attack of the heart or that you can't breathe, and you might have chest pain and a rapid heartbeat.

Chronic anxiety can increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms aid us in responding to threats, but if you're on high alert throughout the day, your immune system can suffer.  panic anxiety disorder  could make you more vulnerable to getting the common cold and other ailments.

Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with a physical examination and a discussion about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes like thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional will be able to offer you assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can help you learn relaxation techniques and help you work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is right for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look up directories online for an anxiety specialist.

3. Muscle tension

Although most people are aware that a racing heart and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, a lot of people don't realize that chronic muscle tension can be a physical indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, or specific phobias. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their range and feel constant pain in their neck, back and shoulders.

Tense muscles may be a symptom of  anxiety disorders  as the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of responses that cause us to physically react when we perceive threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts but they can cause long-term problems if they are repeated over a prolonged period of time.

When a real danger is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat, so that more blood is pumped to the muscles of your arms or legs in the event you have to flee or fight. Those increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs are filled with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation may cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy.

If you have an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal resting state between stress reactions. You are constantly stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that could eventually result in long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which could cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Dizziness

If you're a person who is anxious you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason for this has to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. When you are worried or anxious your body tightens and then it relaxes. If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently and your anxiety is persistent you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

When you're worried frequently, it can be hard to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body and may cause you to gain weight, per the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety also has a major effect on your menstrual cycle. It's because it could cause you to skip or experience irregular menstrual cycles by affecting the release of hormones that trigger ovulation, as per the American Psychological Association.

You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It's important to control these medical conditions to decrease your risk. Talk to your therapist if are suffering from any of the following conditions.

Experiences that are traumatizing, such as a car crash or surgery can increase your anxiety risk. A recurring medical condition like asthma or an ongoing health issue, such as diabetes, can trigger anxiety. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you turn negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn how to use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. In addition there are supplements available to calm your body and mind.

5. Sweating

Anxiety is a term that covers an array of emotions that can cause your heart rate to rise and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to get tighter. These emotions alone aren't enough to trigger anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can become a problem. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention.

Sweating is a common physical sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's "fight-or-flight" response kicks in, it boosts the rate of blood circulation to prepare you for battle. This boost 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 could cause a feeling of not being able to breathe, which is called dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety has become too overwhelming to manage.

Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety disorders based on your reported symptoms and how they interfere with your daily activities. You'll be asked about previous experiences and current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants containing aluminium, drugs that block nerves, or Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.