The 10 Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

A summary of the physical signs that we are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety.

When we talk about anxiety, we usually think of it as accelerated behavior on the part of people, but in reality the acceleration is in the person's thoughts, and not necessarily in their behavior.

The thinking of the anxious subject is always ahead of reality, he anticipates events in a negative way. The subject thinks that things will go wrong before he even starts to do them.

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

What are the main physical symptoms of anxiety?

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

1. Tremors

These are involuntary in nature, and usually occur when the subject is about to start an activity. 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 a particular interest.

2. Excessive sweating

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

3. Cardiac arrhythmias

The most common cardiac arrhythmia that occurs during the physical symptoms of anxiety is tachycardia. The heartbeat tends to speed up irregularly when the individual is exposed to a situation that triggers the anxious state. 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 frequency increases (tachypnea). When this occurs the person could begin to make big breaths by the mouth in an agitated way..

5. Tension of the muscles

When the anxiety is persistent and intense, the muscles are loaded with tension, and it is when discomfort occurs in a specific muscular region of the body..

This discomfort usually occurs in the back, neck and shoulders.

6. Headaches

Headaches are a very characteristic symptom of anxiety, especially the so-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/she does not feel comfortable or is not sufficiently prepared, the glands in charge of salivation contract, the glands in charge of salivation contract, causing a temporary dryness of the mouth.causing a temporary dryness in the mouth.

8. Dizziness

These occur especially when the anxiety is intense, at the moment the person feels that he/she can no longer tolerate the activity that generates the 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 tension of the muscles.. For example, as common as waiting for the results of an exam could trigger this symptom in the subject.

10. Abdominal discomfort

Discomfort in the abdominal 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 one might think, especially because in the early stages of development it is difficult to explain emotions clearly. But also in adults this is one of the physical symptoms of anxiety, associated with difficulties to digest food in this state of activation..

The treatment

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

Breathing techniques

To inhale and exhale in a controlled way is very useful. We take in air through our nose and bring it into our lungs, leave it there for about 15 seconds, and then let it out through our mouth gently. When doing this it is very important to breathe with the diaphragm, that is, the muscle just below the lungs. You will know if you are doing it right if when you breathe in your belly area expands much more than your chest.

2. Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a set of Mindfulness techniques very useful for dealing with anxiety. It is inspired by Vipassana meditation Buddhism and Hinduism, but in this case we are talking about a non-religious therapeutic procedure, but molded through scientific research in the field of psychology.

3. Practicing activities that promote concentration

Placing an object on the television while it is on and fixing our attention on that object for as long as possible, avoiding being distracted by the programming, is an exercise to strengthen our concentration level.

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

4. Attend therapy

In case our level of anxiety does not decrease in spite of 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 who will prescribe the medication and indicate 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.

Bibliographical references:

• Testa A., Giannuzzi R., Sollazzo, F., Petrongolo, L., Bernardini, L., Daini, S. (2013). Psychiatric emergencies (parte 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. Londres: 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): pp. 905 - 916.