The 10 physical symptoms of anxiety

When talking about anxiety, it is usually thought that it is an accelerated behavior on the part of the people, but in reality the acceleration is found in the person's thoughts, and not necessarily in his behavior.

The thought of the anxious subject is always ahead of reality, anticipates the facts in a negative way. The subject thinks that things will go wrong even before starting to do them.

In this article we will talk about the physical symptoms of anxiety, that is, we will see what are the main complications that this behavior can bring to our body, and we will review some of the most effective treatments for these cases.

• Related article: "Depression and anxiety: symptoms to be able to recognize them easily"

What are the main physical symptoms of anxiety?

As we have already mentioned, anxiety can cause certain complications on a physical level in those who suffer from it. Let's see what these symptoms are.

1. tremors

These are of an involuntary nature, and usually present when the subject is about to start an activity that increases the level of stress.

A good example is when the person must speak in public or with someone who generates some particular interest.

2. excessive sweating

When anxiety reaches high levels, the Central Nervous System (CNS) begins to function in an exacerbated manner in the body, generating a series of reactions that escape voluntary control. One of these reactions is excessive sweating, especially on the hands, feet, forehead and armpits.

3. Cardiac arrhythmias

The most common of the cardiac arrhythmias that occurs during physical symptoms of anxiety is tachycardia. Heartbeat tends to accelerate irregularly when the individual is exposed to a situation that triggers the anxious state.

4. Accelerated breathing

Another characteristic symptom in these cases is that the respiratory rate increases (tachypnea). When this happens the person may begin to take large breaths through the mouth in an agitated manner.

5. muscle tension

When anxiety is persistent and intense, the muscles become tense, and it is when discomfort occurs in a specific muscle region of the body.

These discomforts usually occur in the back, neck, and shoulders.

6. Headaches

Headaches are a very characteristic symptom of anxiety, especially those called tension headaches. These are caused, among other things, by excessive muscle tension in the neck area.

7. dry mouth

Sometimes, while the person is doing an activity in which he does not feel comfortable or is not sufficiently prepared, glands responsible for salivation contract, causing a temporary dry mouth.

8. dizziness

These occur especially when the anxiety is intense, at the moment when the person feels that they can no longer tolerate carrying out the activity that causes them discomfort; then dizziness appears, which may be accompanied by other physical symptoms of anxiety.

9. frequent urination

It is nothing more than the frequent need to urinate, caused by anxiety and muscle tension. For example, stopping as often as waiting for test results could trigger this symptom in the subject.

10. abdominal discomfort

Discomfort in the abdomen area is a classic characteristic of anxious people, especially pain in this region occurs in children when they are under a lot of emotional pressure.

In children anxiety is more common than you think, especially because in the early stages of development it becomes difficult to explain emotions clearly. But also in adults this is one of the physical symptoms of anxiety, associated with difficulties digesting food in this state of activation.

The treatment

To combat the physical repercussions of anxiety, keep these fundamental ideas in mind.

1. breathing techniques

Inhale and exhale in a controlled manner it is very useful. We take the air in through the nose and take it to our lungs, we leave it there for approximately 15 seconds, and then we let it out through the mouth gently. In doing this it is very important to breathe with the diaphragm, that is, the muscle just below the lungs. You'll know if you're doing it right if when you inhale your belly area expands much more than your chest.

2. mindfulness

Mindfulness is a set of Mindfulness techniques that are very useful for dealing with anxiety. Inspired by Vipassana meditation typical of Buddhism and Hinduism, but in this case we are talking about a procedure non-religious therapeutic, but shaped through scientific investigations in the field of Psychology.

3. Practice activities that encourage our concentration

Placing an object on the television while it is turned on and fixing our attention on that object during the as long as possible, avoiding distracting ourselves with programming is an exercise to reinforce our level of concentration.

We can also do word searches, crossword puzzles, or learn to play chess. But it is important that while we carry out these activities we do not do it thinking that we must do it well, the idea is focus more on the process than the result.

4. attend therapy

In the event that our level of anxiety does not decrease despite having implemented the recommended techniques, the ideal will be to attend psychological therapy sessions. so that the psychologist can make the necessary evaluation and intervention.

In cases where medication is required, the patient is referred to the psychiatrist so that he is the one who prescribes the medication and indicates the respective doses. The follow-up of the case will be done jointly, the psychologist will be in charge of the emotional part of the subject, while the psychiatrist will treat the clearly organic part.

Bibliographic references:

• Testa A., Giannuzzi R., Sollazzo, F., Petrongolo, L., Bernardini, L., Daini, S. (2013). Psychiatric emergencies (part I): psychiatric disorders causing organic symptoms. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 17 Suppl 1:55–64.
• Thomas, B., Hardy, S., Cutting, P., eds. (1997). Mental Health Nursing: Principles and Practice. London: Mosby.
• Waszczuk, M.A.; Zavos, H.M.S.; Gregory, A.M.; Eley, T.C. (2014). The Phenotypic and Genetic Structure of Depression and Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Childhood, Adolescence, and Young Adulthood. JAMA Psychiatry. 71(8): p. 905 - 916.