Why You Should Concentrate On Improving Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Every person experiences anxiety at some point, but when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. This can include a feeling of anxiety, muscle tension and stomach issues.
A psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you have anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history, and conduct tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people feel anxious from time time. But it's not the same as having an anxiety disorder which is when the symptoms are more frequent or do not disappear. Anxiety can affect your daily routine and cause you to avoid social situations.
Headaches are a typical physical symptom associated with anxiety. 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 holding them rigidly for a long time can cause pain.
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety. It can be caused by a fast heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It can also be a sign of a serious medical problem such as heart disease, and it is important to be examined by your physician.
You might also feel weak, particularly in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline, which help you respond to threats by speeding up your heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time, these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, making you feel weak, shaky or dizzy.
If disorders anxiety having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can make your symptoms worse. Try to take a break before bed and stick to an established routine so that you can rest better. Exercise can be beneficial. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that cut stress and boost your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor about possible treatment options.
2. Stomach problems
Anxiety can cause the body to become tense and chronic anxiety may lead to persistent pain. Your muscles may ache, your stomach can feel a bit sluggish, or you could get diarrhea. The digestive system of your body can be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating or IBS.
People suffering from panic disorders are at a higher chance of developing stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings or a fear of imminent death. They can happen in specific circumstances or without apparent reason. You may feel as if you are having a heartattack or that you're unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains and an intense pulse.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues, too. The hormones that trigger anxiety symptoms allow us to react to dangers and if we're on alert our immune system could be affected. This can make you more susceptible to the common cold, as well as other diseases.
Your doctor is able to diagnose anxiety disorders with an examination of your body and an interview about your symptoms. Before disorders anxiety , they will rule out other causes, such as thyroid and heart diseases. 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 that might have contributed to anxiety. They can also help you in locating the best treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you to one or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist.
3. Muscle tension
While most people know that a heart racing and hands that feel jittery are signs of anxiety, many people do not realize that chronic tension in the muscles is a indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or certain fears. If a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis they could lose their range and experience persistent discomfort in their back, neck and shoulders.
Tense muscles are a common sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of responses that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. A moderate level of anxiety triggers these responses as part our survival instincts however, they can also cause long-term muscle issues when they occur regularly or over a prolonged period of time.
If a risk is present the adrenal glands produce hormones that boost the speed of your heartbeat so that more blood can be delivered to your muscles that are large in your legs or arms in the event that you have to flee or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed of your lungs filling with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, your body can't return to its normal state of relaxation between stress reactions. You feel anxious all the while because of the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. According to the American Psychological Association, this can lead to chronic muscle tension and lasting pain. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
If you're an anxious person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. This is because of the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body tenses up when you think of something that worries or scares you, and then relaxes when the threat is gone. However, if your anxiety is persistent and you are experiencing these symptoms often, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
If you're constantly stressed on a regular basis it can be difficult to focus or sleep enough. It also wreaks havoc on your body and may cause you to gain weight, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or have irregular cycles due to affecting hormones that induce menstrual ovulation.
A high blood pressure or heart disease could increase your risk of anxiety, so it's important to bring these medical conditions under control to reduce your risk. Inform your therapist if you suffer from any of these ailments.
Traumatic experiences like a car accident or surgery can also increase your anxiety risk. Anxiety can be caused by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma, or a recurring medical condition. The good news is that there are solutions that can ease anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and actions into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. You can supplement your diet with supplements to relax your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a term that encompasses an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race and your stomach to become upset and your muscles to become tight. These emotions alone aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it can be a problem. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical help.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health sweating is a typical physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or-flight response begins, it boosts the speed that your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. 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 may also lead to a feeling of not being breathing, which is called dyspnea. It's a sign that your anxiety is becoming too intense to manage.
Your healthcare provider will assess you for an anxiety disorder based on your reported symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily activities. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They may also run tests to determine if there are any other health issues that may be causing them, like bloodwork and imaging scans. In some cases they may suggest medications to help ease your symptoms, such as strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.