The Reasons You Shouldn't Think About Improving Your Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone experiences anxiety at times, when anxiety becomes an illness, it can trigger physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. They can be characterized by a feeling tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach issues. A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist will employ screening tools to determine if you suffer from an anxiety disorder. They will also inquire about your medical history and will run tests to rule out other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. 1. Headaches Most people feel anxious from time times. An anxiety disorder is when these symptoms are continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can also affect your everyday life or cause you to avoid social situations.1 A common physical symptom of anxiety is headaches. They can range from an typical tension headache2 to complete migraine in a few people. This is because many people tighten their muscles as part of the fight-or-flight response, and holding those muscles rigidly for long periods of time can lead to pain.3 Another physical sign of anxiety is dizziness or lightheadedness. This can be due to a rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, or a combination. It could be a sign you suffer from a serious medical condition like heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out. You might be feeling weak in your legs or arms and arms, which could be a sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aids in responding to a threat by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your entire body for an attack. In time, these hormones could have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shaky or dizzy. There are times when you may experience more symptoms if your anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to relax before bed and follow your routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise can also be helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that reduce stress and boost your mood, and it can aid in falling asleep more easily. Consult your physician If you're still struggling to sleep. 2. Stomach issues The body tenses up when you are anxious, and if you have chronic anxiety, it can result in persistent pain. Your muscles could hurt and your stomach may feel a bit sluggish, or you could develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact the digestive system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome. People who suffer from panic disorders are at a higher risk of stomach problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or a fear of imminent death. They can occur in certain situations or without apparent reason. You may feel as if you're experiencing a heart attack or that you are unable to breathe. You might also experience chest pains, and an intense pulse. Long-term anxiety can increase your chances of developing other health problems. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger, but if we're constantly on high alert our immune system could be affected. This could make you more susceptible to contracting the common cold as well as other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination of your body and asking you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes such as heart disease and thyroid problems. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning relaxation techniques and work through any traumas or negative experiences which could have triggered anxiety. They can also assist you to determine the best treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor for a referral or look up online directories of therapists to find a therapist who is an expert in anxiety. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension could be a sign of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and certain fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms regularly, they can lose their range and feel constant pain in their neck, back and shoulders. Tense muscles are a typical symptom of anxiety disorder because the body's fight or flight response triggers a cascade of reactions that trigger us to physically react to perceived threats. 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 prolonged period of time. If a risk is present your adrenal glands release hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat so that more blood is pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event you need to run away or fight. These increased heart rates also increase the speed at which your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel dizzy or lightheaded. When you have an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress-related responses. The anxiety disorder causes you to feel anxious all the time and your sympathetic nervous system is in high alert. This leads to the chronic tension in your muscles that can eventually cause long-term pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which can cause stomachaches and constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're an anxious person, you may often be shaky and unbalanced. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are anxious or worried your body begins to tense and then relaxes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It is difficult to fall asleep or focus when you are always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety also has a major influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles by affecting hormones that induce ovulation. You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to manage these medical conditions to lower your risk. If you have these conditions, be sure to inform your therapist. panic anxiety disorder like a car crash or surgery can also increase your risk of anxiety. 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 treatments that can help with anxiety disorders. Talk therapy or psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) can be helpful. CBT teaches you how to transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing. In addition there are supplements that you can take to help calm your mind and body. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a broad term for a variety of daunting feelings that can make your heart beat faster and your stomach turn a bit upset, and your muscles tight. Most of the time, these feelings aren't enough to cause anxiety disorder, but when they're ongoing they can get out of hand. You might also experience chills, sweating and other physical symptoms which make you seek medical assistance. According to the National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health, sweating is a frequent physical manifestation of anxiety disorders. When your body's fight-or-flight response is activated, it increases the speed at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. This increase in heart rate may make you 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. This imbalance can also cause the feeling of not being breathing properly or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. This is a sign your anxiety has become too intense to handle. Your healthcare provider will determine if there is anxiety disorders by analyzing your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll begin by asking about your previous experiences and your 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 certain instances, they might recommend medications to ease your symptoms, including strong antiperspirants made of aluminium, nerve blocker medications or botulinum toxins type A (Botox) injections around the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.