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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Everyone feels anxious at times however when anxiety turns into an illness, it can trigger physical as well as emotional symptoms. They can be characterized by a feeling of restlessness, muscular tension, and stomach problems. A psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist may use screening tools to determine if you have an anxiety disorder. 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 experience anxiety from time to times. But that's different from being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, that is, when the feelings are more frequent or do not go away. Anxiety can affect your daily life and make you avoid social situations. The most frequent physical sign of anxiety are headaches. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles in a fight-or-flight response, and retaining them in a rigid way for a prolonged period of 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 could also be a sign that you have an illness that is serious, such as heart disease. Consult your physician to find out. You may also feel weak, especially in your arms or legs. This can be a sign of anxiety. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and preparing your body for a possible attack. In time these hormones can have a negative impact on your health, causing you feel weak, shakey or dizzy. You may experience worse symptoms if you are anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Try to unwind before bed and adhere to your routine so that you can sleep better. Exercise is also helpful. Brisk aerobic activity can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve your mood, and it can help you fall asleep easier. If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about options for treatment. 2. Stomach issues Anxiety can cause your body to tighten up, and chronic anxiety can cause chronic pain. Your muscles could hurt, your stomach can be irritable, or you may develop diarrhea. Stress hormones can also impact your gastrointestinal system, leading to constipation or irritablebowel syndrome. People suffering from panic disorders are at greater risk of stomach problems. Panic attacks are sudden sensations of fear or imminent doom that can occur in certain situations or without explanation according to the American Psychiatric Association. You might feel as if you're having an attack of the heart or that you're not breathing, and you might have chest pain and a fast heartbeat. Long-term anxiety may increase your risk of developing other health issues. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms can help us respond to threats and if we're on high alert our immune system may be affected. This can make you more vulnerable to catching the common cold and other diseases. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders through a an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. They will rule out other causes, like heart disease or thyroid problems, before diagnosing you with anxiety. A mental health professional will be able to provide assistance and support in managing your symptoms. They can teach you relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experience that may have caused your anxiety. They can also aid you in finding the right treatment for you. Ask your doctor to refer you or look online for directories that feature an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a fast pulse and a jittery hand are indicators of anxiety. But, they don't realize that muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even specific fears. If a person experiences these symptoms regularly they could begin to lose their range of motion and experience constant pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Tense muscles can be a sign of anxiety disorders because the body's fight or flight response triggers a series of reactions which trigger us to physically react when we perceive threats. In moderate levels of anxiety, we trigger these responses as part of our survival instincts, but they can lead to long-term muscle problems when they happen frequently or over a long period of time. If a risk is present, your adrenal glands produce hormones that speed up the rate of your heartbeat to ensure that more blood can be pumped to your large muscles in your arms or legs in the event that you need to run away or fight. The increased heart rate can increase the speed of your lungs filling up with oxygen. This combination of increased stress and hyperventilation could cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy. If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, however your body isn't able to return to its normal state of relaxation between stress responses. You are constantly stressed all the time because of your anxiety disorder, so 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, causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're an anxious person, you may often feel dizzy and out of balance. This is due to the nervous system's response to anxiety. Your body is tense whenever you think about something that scares or worries you, and then relaxes after the threat has passed. However, if your anxiety is recurring and you experience these symptoms regularly you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It is difficult to fall asleep or concentrate when you're constantly worried. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have an influence on your menstrual cycles. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you skip periods or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation. You are more prone to anxiety if you have high blood pressure or heart problems. It is essential to manage these medical conditions to reduce your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist. Experiences that are traumatizing, like a car accident or surgery can increase the risk of anxiety. Anxiety can be triggered by a chronic illness, such as diabetes or asthma or a recurring medical condition. There are treatments for anxiety disorders. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you transform negative anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. You can also take supplements to calm your body and mind. 5. Sweating Anxiety is a term that refers to an array of emotions that can cause your heart to race, your stomach to upset and your muscles to get tighter. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder s but when they become chronic, they can be a problem. You might be experiencing chills, sweating and other physical symptoms that prompt you to seek medical attention. Sweating is a typical physical 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 speed of blood circulation to prepare you for fighting or escape. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 may cause the feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This could be a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to handle. Your doctor will determine if you have an anxiety disorder by looking at your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. You'll be asked about your past experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to determine if there are any other health issues that could be causing them, like imaging scans and blood tests. In certain instances they may suggest medications to ease 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 psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.