What physical symptoms can anxiety disorder cause

Anxiety disorder may cause physical symptoms such as palpitations, headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle tension, and difficulty breathing. Anxiety disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by excessive worry and fear, and physical symptoms are usually caused by overactivation of the autonomic nervous system, with specific manifestations varying from person to person.

1. Palpitations

Anxiety patients often feel a rapid or irregular heartbeat, which may be accompanied by chest tightness or pain. This symptom is related to increased adrenaline secretion caused by sympathetic nervous system excitation, which can easily be mistaken for heart disease. Mild palpitations can be relieved by deep breathing, and if they persist, organic lesions should be ruled out.

2. Headache

Tension headaches are common manifestations, often manifested as bilateral compression or tightness. The continuous contraction of the head and neck muscles in an anxious state may cause vasospasm. Some patients may experience migraine like attacks accompanied by nausea or photophobia symptoms.

3. Gastrointestinal discomfort

Digestive system symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, or symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome. The intestine is known as the second brain, and anxiety can affect the function of the enteric nervous system, leading to abnormal secretion of digestive enzymes and disrupted intestinal peristalsis.

4. Muscle tension

Muscle stiffness and soreness in the shoulder, neck, and back are common, which may be accompanied by tremors or convulsions. Long term anxiety causes muscles to be in a defensive contraction state, and lactate accumulation leads to pain. Grinding teeth at night is also a common complication.

5. Dyspnea

Patients often complain of shortness of breath or suffocation, which may be caused by excessive ventilation leading to numbness in the hands and feet. This is related to increased respiratory rate and decreased carbon dioxide concentration during anxiety, which may trigger panic attacks in severe cases. The physical symptoms of anxiety disorder involve multiple systems, and it is recommended to maintain a regular schedule and moderate exercise, practice abdominal breathing, and gradually relax muscles to help alleviate symptoms. Add foods rich in magnesium and B vitamins such as nuts and whole grains to your diet, and avoid excessive intake of caffeine. When symptoms persist or worsen, it is necessary to seek professional psychological treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness training have significant effects on improving somatic symptoms. Some patients may require short-term use of anti anxiety medications, but strict adherence to medical advice is necessary.