Get To Know The Steve Jobs Of The Anxiety Disorder Physical Symptoms Industry
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Everyone experiences anxiety at times however when anxiety turns into a condition it can cause physical and emotional symptoms. These include a sense of agitation, muscle tension, and stomach problems.
A psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist uses screening tools to determine if you suffer from anxiety disorders. They will also inquire about your medical history, and perform tests to rule out other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
1. Headaches
Most people experience anxiety from time to time. An anxiety disorder occurs when these symptoms are persistent or more frequent. Anxiety can also impact your daily routine and make you avoid social situations.
Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from tension headache2 up to a full-blown migraine in some individuals. This is because a lot of people tense their bodies as part of their fight-or-flight response and securing those muscles for prolonged periods of time can lead to pain.3
Dizziness or lightheadedness is another symptom of physical anxiety. It could be due to an increased heart rate, hyperventilating, or the combination of both. It can also be an indication of a major medical condition like heart disease, which is why it is important to be checked by your doctor.
You may also feel weak in your legs or arms, which can be another sign of anxiety. This is because your nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol, which helps you respond to danger by speeding up the heartbeat and preparing your body for a potential attack. Over time, however these hormones may have a negative effect on your health, and could cause you to feel shakey or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak.
If you're having difficulty getting enough rest due to anxiety, it can cause your symptoms to get worse. Relax before bed and stick to your routine. This will help you get more sleep. Exercise is also helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that cut stress and improve your mood, and it can assist you in falling asleep faster. Talk to your doctor if you are still struggling to sleep.
2. Stomach problems
The body tenses up in response to anxiety, and if you have chronic anxiety, it could cause constant discomfort. Your muscles might ache or your stomach may feel off or you can get diarrhea. Stress hormones can also affect your gastrointestinal system, causing constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
People with panic disorders have an increased risk of having stomach issues. Panic attacks are sudden, intense feelings of terror or impending doom that occur in specific situations or for no reason according to the American Psychiatric Association. You may feel like you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you may experience chest pain or a rapid heartbeat.
Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health problems, too. The fight-or-flight hormones that cause the symptoms of anxiety assist us in responding to a threat and if you're constantly always on alert all the time your immune system may suffer. This could increase your risk of contracting the common cold, and other diseases.
Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by conducting an examination of your body and a conversation about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they'll rule out other causes like thyroid and heart diseases. A mental health professional will be able to provide support and help manage your symptoms. They can assist you in learning techniques for relaxation and work through any underlying traumas or negative experiences that could have triggered anxiety. They can also help you find a treatment option that is suitable 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 jittery hands are signs of anxiety, many people do not know that muscle tension is a physical indicator of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as social anxiety disorder (SAD) panic disorder, or specific fears. If someone is suffering from these symptoms on a regular basis they may lose their range and suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back and shoulders.
panic anxiety disorder may be an indication of anxiety disorders due to the body's fight or flight response triggers a sequence of reactions which result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. These reactions are a natural part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to problems in the long run if they are repeated over a long time.
If a serious threat is present the adrenal glands crank out hormones that speed up the speed at which your heart beats, so that it can pump more blood to the massive muscles in your arms and legs in case you have to flee or fight the threat. Those increased heart rates also boost how quickly your lungs fill with oxygen. The combination of increased stress and hyperventilation can cause you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
When you have an anxiety disorder , however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. You feel anxious throughout the day due to the anxiety disorder, and you keep your sympathetic nervous system in high alert. This leads to the continuous tensing of your muscles and may eventually lead to long-term pain, according the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system, which may cause stomach pains constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Dizziness
You may be shaky or unbalanced if you are anxious. The reason for this has to relate to the nervous system's response to anxiety. When you are worried or scared, your body tenses and then it relaxes. If, however, your anxiety is persistent and you experience these symptoms frequently you could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
It can be difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you're always worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you may gain weight. Anxiety can also have a major influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or have irregular cycles due to altering hormones that trigger the ovulation.
You can be more susceptible to anxiety if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart issues. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to decrease your risk. If you suffer from these conditions, make sure to inform your therapist.
A traumatic experience like a car crash or surgery can increase your risk of anxiety. A recurring medical condition like asthma or a chronic health issue like diabetes can also trigger anxiety. There are treatment options for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you turn negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. In addition, there are supplements you can take to calm your mind and body.
5. Sweating
Anxiety is a broad term for a whole cluster of frightening feelings that could make your heart race, your stomach upset and your muscles tense. Sometimes, these symptoms aren't enough to constitute anxiety disorder--but when they're chronic, they can get out of hand. You may also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms that cause you to seek medical care.
The habit of sweating is a common sign of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When your body's fight-or flight response begins, it boosts the rate that your blood circulates to prepare you for fight or escape. The increased heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy or breathless. 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 the feeling of not being breathing or breathe, which is known as dyspnea. It's an indication that your anxiety is becoming too overwhelming to manage.
Your doctor will evaluate your anxiety for a disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they interfere with your daily life. You'll be asked about your previous experiences and current concerns. They might also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, such as imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances, they might recommend medications to alleviate your symptoms, such as powerful antiperspirants containing aluminium, nerve-blocking drugs or botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections that target the sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy and techniques for relaxation such as meditation or yoga.