An important aspect in recognizing anxiety disorders is attributing the physical symptoms to the correct cause of anxiety. The physical symptoms often vary greatly from person to person, and a person need not have most or all of these to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder.
Pulse/Respiration Type Symptoms
- Racing pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Feelings of smothering
- Chest pain
- Oddly slow heart beat
- Sensation of heart skipping beats
- Tightness in throat
- Pounding heart
Digestive System Symptoms
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stomach filling too quickly at meals and emptying too quickly after meal
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Stomach cramping
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Trouble swallowing or feelings of choking
Pain Symptoms
- Headaches
- Stomach aches
- Muscle tension/pain
- Jaw aching/tooth pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck soreness
- Sciatica
- Clenching fists
Skin Symptoms
- Blanching, paleness
- Skin rashes
- Sweating
- Pins and needles sensation
- Flushed skin or blushing
- Cold sweat
- Electric shock sensations
- Increased sensitivity to touch
Nervous System Symptoms
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound or smell
- Weakness in arms
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Trembling
- Shivering
- Distorted vision-due to constriction of pupils during stress
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Sore eyes due to reduced lubrication
- Hyperactivity or edginess
- Aggression or agitation
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Restlessness
- Feelings of apprehension or dread
- Going blank/difficulty focusing mentally
- Forgetfulness
Other Anxiety Symptoms
- Sexual dysfunction particularly impotency
- Strong increase in sexual feelings
- Hormonal problems affecting menstruation or testosterone levels
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nightmares
- Fears of losing control or going insane
- Symptoms of urinary tract infections
- Increased depression
- Suicidal thoughts-this should be taken seriously always and help sought immediately
- Feelings of being unreal or significantly detached from others or reality
- Dizziness
- Faintness
- Lightheaded
- Hot or cold flashes possibly accompanied by sweating or shivering even chattering of teeth
- Appetite swings
- Loss of libido
- Grinding teeth
- Night sweats
- Exhaustion or lethargy
Understanding Anxiety Symptoms
With panic attacks and panic disorder, the symptoms will come on the person suddenly, without warning and be intense particularly for several minutes up to a half-hour or so typically. However, other anxiety disorders may cause a less intense but more chronic type of symptoms that seldom or never completely disappear.
It’s important to understand that anxiety in one person can look much different in another individual. Comparing symptoms is not necessarily helpful in determining whether an anxiety disorder is behind a cluster of symptoms.
Generally, an anxiety attack involves up to four symptoms at once while a panic attack is more than four.
Symptoms can often be directly traced to the fight or flight response.When danger is sensed, the pituitary gland gets the adrenaline pumping in our systems setting off a host of physical reactions. With anxiety disorders this response doesn’t resolve or often start at appropriate times. It’s much like an accelerator becoming stuck. Other anxiety disorders may cause a more constant and lower level of symptoms which can cause chronic types of pain or a drain on physical systems such as the digestive, nervous or muscle systems.
It’s important to become aware of the different ways anxiety is taking a toll on your life and health so that you can remedy the symptoms and take control of your life once more. Options can include therapy, medications and healthy life choices.