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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder Every person experiences anxiety at some point however, when anxiety develops into an illness, it can trigger physical and emotional symptoms. These include a feeling of tension in the muscles, restlessness and stomach problems. A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist will use screening tools to determine if you suffer from 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 The majority of people experience anxiety at times. An anxiety disorder occurs when these feelings become continuous or more frequent. Anxiety can affect your daily routine or cause you to avoid social situations.1 Headaches are a typical physical symptom that is associated with anxiety. They can range from an average tension headache2 to a full-blown migraine for some people. Many people tense up their muscles as part of a fight-or-flight reaction, and holding them rigidly for a long period of time can cause pain. Another symptom of anxiety is lightheadedness or dizziness. This could be due to rapid heart rate, hyperventilating or the combination of both. It could also be a sign that you are suffering from an underlying medical condition such as heart disease. Talk to your doctor to find out. You may be feeling weak, especially in your legs or arms. This can be a sign of stress. This is because the nervous system releases cortisol and adrenaline which aid in responding to a threat by increasing your heart rate and prepare your body for an attack. In time, however these hormones can have the opposite effect on your health, and could cause you to feel shakey or weak. You may also feel dizzy, weak, or weak. If you have trouble getting enough sleep because of anxiety, it could make your symptoms worse. Try to relax before bed and follow an established routine to sleep better. Exercise is also helpful. A vigorous aerobic workout can release brain chemicals that can reduce stress and improve 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 tightens up in response to anxiety, and if you suffer from chronic anxiety it can result in persistent discomfort. There may be muscle aches, stomach discomfort or diarrhea. Your gastrointestinal system can also be affected by the constant release of stress hormones and this can lead to constipation, bloating, or IBS. You can experience stomach issues in any anxiety disorder, but people with panic disorders are more likely to have these issues. According to the American Psychiatric Association, panic attacks are sudden sensations or terror of impending death. They can occur in specific situations or without apparent reason. You might feel as if you're having a heart attack or that you're unable to breathe, or you may experience chest pain and a fast heartbeat. Chronic anxiety can increase your risk for other health issues as well. The hormones that cause anxiety symptoms help us to respond to a danger and if we're on alert, our immune system can be affected. This can make you more prone to catching the common cold and other illnesses. Your doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders by doing an examination and talking to you about your symptoms. Before diagnosing anxiety, they can determine if there are other causes, such as thyroid or heart problems. A mental health professional can also provide assistance and support to manage your symptoms. They can also teach relaxation techniques and help you deal with any trauma or negative experience that might have led to your anxiety. They can also assist you to find a treatment option that is appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to refer you, or search online directories for an anxiety specialist. 3. Muscle tension Many people are aware that a fast pulse and jittery hand are signs of anxiety. However, they do not know that chronic muscle tension can be an indication of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder panic disorder, and even specific phobias. When a person is experiencing these symptoms on a regular basis, they may begin to lose their range of motion and suffer from constant pain in the back, neck and shoulders. Tense muscles are a symptom of anxiety disorder s because the body's fight or flight response triggers a range of bodily reactions that result in us physically reacting when we perceive threats. These reactions are a normal part of our survival instincts, however, they can lead to long-term problems if they are repeated or occur over a long period of time. If a serious threat is present the adrenal glands crank out hormones that accelerate the speed at which your heart beats to ensure it can pump more blood to the large muscles in your legs and arms in case you need to flee or fight danger. The increased heart rate can increase the rate that your lungs fill up with oxygen. The combination of increased tension and hyperventilation could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you have an anxiety-related condition your body is unable to return to its normal state between stress responses. You feel stressed all the time due to your anxiety disorder, which is why you keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert. This leads to the continuous tension in your muscles that could eventually result in chronic pain, according to the American Psychological Association. It can also affect your digestive system causing stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome. 4. Dizziness If you're an anxious person you might feel dizzy and out of balance. The reason is to do with the nervous system response to anxiety. Your body tenses up whenever you think about something that worries or scares you, but then relaxes once the threat passes. However, if your anxiety is chronic and you experience these symptoms regularly, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. It can be difficult to sleep or focus when you are constantly stressed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it can also cause your body to suffer and you could gain weight. Anxiety can also have a significant influence on the menstrual cycle. According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety can cause you to skip your menstrual cycle or experience irregular menstrual cycles by altering hormones that cause menstrual ovulation. High blood pressure or heart disease can make you more prone to anxiety, and it's essential to get these medical problems under control to decrease your risk. If you have these conditions, make sure to tell your therapist. Other factors that increase your risk of anxiety are traumatic events like being in a car crash or having surgery. Anxiety can be caused by chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma or a chronic medical illness. The good news is that there are solutions which can alleviate anxiety issues. They include psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps you transform negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger anxiety into positive ones. You can also learn to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. In addition there are supplements that you can take to relax 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 tighten. These feelings alone are not enough to cause anxiety disorder however, when they become chronic, it could become a problem. You might also experience sweating, chills and other physical symptoms which require medical assistance. 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 rate at which your blood circulates to prepare you for fighting or escape. This boost in heart rate can cause you to feel dizzy and 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 could also lead to a feeling of not being breathing properly and is known as dyspnea. This is a sign that your anxiety has become too severe to manage. Your healthcare provider will assess your anxiety disorders by looking at your symptoms and the way they interfere with your daily routine. You'll be asked about previous experiences as well as your current concerns. They may also conduct tests to look for other health issues that could be causing the symptoms, such as bloodwork and imaging scans. In some instances, they may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms. These include powerful antiperspirants with aluminium in them and other drugs that block nerves and Botox injections to treat sweat glands. Alternative treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.