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Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Some of the primary physical symptoms of anxiety can include:
Muscle Tension
These manifestations of muscle tension don’t subside in the absence of a threat. Instead, they persist until specific relaxation or mindfulness skills are employed, ormedications that promote relaxationare taken.
Digestive Problems
The gut also holds and expresses anxiety. This can take the form of non-specific unsettling of the stomach, outright nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Digestive problems can have a particularly negative impact on day-to-day functioning.
Beyond being uncomfortable and disruptive in their own right, these symptoms may perpetuate worries about the presence of a medical illness.
Anxiety and GI Issues: What’s the Connection?
Headache and Dizziness
The psychological distress associated with anxiety involves persistent general worry or fears of specific situations.Thoughts may race down a spiral of anticipation and fear about one topic or may bounce incessantly from one issue or scenario to the next. This psychological experience can result, literally, in an aching head and dizziness.
Irritability
The edginess associated with anxiety can manifest behaviorally as irritability or physically as trembling and shaking. The fidgeting or restlessness may be more obvious to observers than to the person experiencing it in some cases.
Fatigue
Chronic worry, simply put, is exhausting, so it’s common for people with anxiety to be fatigued. But, sometimes, the worry or other physical symptoms of anxiety make it difficult either to fall or stay asleep. In the short term, this can take a toll on other aspects of physical and psychological well-being.
For people experiencing even mild sleep disruptions, anxiety treatment is likely to involve changes to the bedtime routine.
Shortness of Breath
Along with increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, sweating, and/or dizziness, shortness of breath can occur.Shortness of breath as an anxiety symptom is more likely to occur as part of apanic attack.
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How Anxiety Affects Your Body
Anxiety brings about psychological and physical symptoms—both of which can be overwhelming. Anticipating future threats, the body gears up for afight-or-flight moment. The brain activates the heart, lungs, and muscles so you’ll be ready to engage or flee. With that, the heart beats faster, you begin to sweat, and your muscles tense, among other involuntary responses.
In fact, to meet theformal criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), for example, anxiety must be associated with multiplephysical symptoms. In children, the presence of even one of these symptoms is sufficient for a diagnosis to be made.
Is It Anxiety or Something Else?While anxiety can lead to a number of physical symptoms, there are also medical conditions that can sometimes feel like anxiety. Some medical conditions that can cause anxiety-like symptoms including heart problems, asthma, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and neurological conditions. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and rule out anyunderlying medical causes.
Is It Anxiety or Something Else?
While anxiety can lead to a number of physical symptoms, there are also medical conditions that can sometimes feel like anxiety. Some medical conditions that can cause anxiety-like symptoms including heart problems, asthma, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and neurological conditions. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and rule out anyunderlying medical causes.
The Difference Between Normal Anxiety and GAD
Impact of AnxietyAnxiety can also take a toll on physical and mental health, particularly when it is prolonged. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) suggests that people who have anxiety are at an increased risk for a number of different health problems.Research has also found that having more anxiety symptoms is connected to a higher risk of developing:AsthmaBack problemsCardiovascular problemsMigrainesUlcersVision problemsAnxiety can also contribute to other problems including chronic pain, digestive problems, depression, social issues, and substance use.
Impact of Anxiety
Anxiety can also take a toll on physical and mental health, particularly when it is prolonged. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) suggests that people who have anxiety are at an increased risk for a number of different health problems.
Research has also found that having more anxiety symptoms is connected to a higher risk of developing:
Anxiety can also contribute to other problems including chronic pain, digestive problems, depression, social issues, and substance use.
Treatments for AnxietyTreatments for anxiety can vary depending on the specific condition you have as well as the nature and severity of your symptoms. In most cases, treatment for the emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms of anxiety involves medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.MedicationsMedication can be helpful for addressing the physical symptoms of anxiety.Benzodiazepineshave a sedative effect and can provide fast-acting relief for the physical effects of anxiety.However, these medications can also be habit-forming, which is why they are often prescribed for short-term relief. Other medications may also be prescribed including antidepressants and beta-blockers.PsychotherapyDifferent types of talk therapy can also be helpful for addressing symptoms of anxiety.Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)is frequently used to treat anxiety disorders and involves identifying and changing the ways that people think and react to sources of anxiety.Exposure therapyis a form of CBT in which people are gradually exposed to the source of their anxiety. Over time, feelings of anxiety begin to diminish.
Treatments for Anxiety
Treatments for anxiety can vary depending on the specific condition you have as well as the nature and severity of your symptoms. In most cases, treatment for the emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms of anxiety involves medication, therapy, or a combination of the two.
Medications
Medication can be helpful for addressing the physical symptoms of anxiety.Benzodiazepineshave a sedative effect and can provide fast-acting relief for the physical effects of anxiety.
However, these medications can also be habit-forming, which is why they are often prescribed for short-term relief. Other medications may also be prescribed including antidepressants and beta-blockers.
Psychotherapy
Different types of talk therapy can also be helpful for addressing symptoms of anxiety.
Keep in Mind
Anxiety disorders are quite common, but often go undiagnosed and untreated. Because women tend to experience symptoms more often than men, experts now recommend that all women and girls aged 13 and older be screened for anxiety during routine preventative exams. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms since anxiety can worsen over time. Early intervention can improve your daily functioning and mental well-being.
The physical complaints that are symptomatic of an anxiety problem are no less uncomfortable than those ascribed to a medical condition. Fortunately, as you undergo treatment for anxiety, the symptoms and your tools to cope with them will improve.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIn addition to professional treatment, self-help strategies can also be beneficial for relieving physical symptoms of stress. Relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and visualization can be effective. Getting regular physical exercise has also been shown to be effective in combatting anxiety.Physical symptoms of anxiety can be short-lived in some cases, but they can also be longer-lasting depending on the nature of the symptoms. People who have anxiety conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder often have symptoms that happen on most days for six months or longer.For other people, symptoms may only emerge in certain situations or when exposed to certain objects.In some cases, physical symptoms of anxiety can become so severe that a person experiences a panic attack. Symptoms of a panic attack include chest pain, difficulty breathing, choking sensations, racing heartbeat, hot flashes, hyperventilation, numbness, feelings of detachment, and a sense ofimpending death.Anxiety can become severe enough that it interferes with a person’s ability to function in their daily life and creates significant distress. This may be a sign that a person has an anxiety disorder. Panic attacks can be severe enough that they are sometimes mistaken for heart attacks and lead to hospitalization.People may engage in avoidance behaviors that can be life-limiting and make it difficult to do everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to professional treatment, self-help strategies can also be beneficial for relieving physical symptoms of stress. Relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and visualization can be effective. Getting regular physical exercise has also been shown to be effective in combatting anxiety.
Physical symptoms of anxiety can be short-lived in some cases, but they can also be longer-lasting depending on the nature of the symptoms. People who have anxiety conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder often have symptoms that happen on most days for six months or longer.For other people, symptoms may only emerge in certain situations or when exposed to certain objects.
In some cases, physical symptoms of anxiety can become so severe that a person experiences a panic attack. Symptoms of a panic attack include chest pain, difficulty breathing, choking sensations, racing heartbeat, hot flashes, hyperventilation, numbness, feelings of detachment, and a sense ofimpending death.
Anxiety can become severe enough that it interferes with a person’s ability to function in their daily life and creates significant distress. This may be a sign that a person has an anxiety disorder. Panic attacks can be severe enough that they are sometimes mistaken for heart attacks and lead to hospitalization.People may engage in avoidance behaviors that can be life-limiting and make it difficult to do everyday tasks.
12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders.Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Niles AN, Dour HJ, Stanton AL, Roy-Byrne PP, Stein MB, Sullivan G, Sherbourne CD, Rose RD, Craske MG.Anxiety and depressive symptoms and medical illness among adults with anxiety disorders.J Psychosom Res. 2015;78(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.11.018Kang HJ, Bae KY, Kim SW, et al.Impact of anxiety and depression on physical health condition and disability in an elderly Korean population.Psychiatry Investig. 2017;14(3):240-248. doi:10.4306/pi.2017.14.3.240Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.Tsitsas GD, Paschali AA.A cognitive-behavior therapy applied to a social anxiety disorder and a specific phobia, case study.Health Psychol Res.2014;2(3):1603. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1603Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkinGregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580Kandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. Washington, DC; 2013.University of Utah Health.ER or not: Panic attacks.
12 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders.Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Niles AN, Dour HJ, Stanton AL, Roy-Byrne PP, Stein MB, Sullivan G, Sherbourne CD, Rose RD, Craske MG.Anxiety and depressive symptoms and medical illness among adults with anxiety disorders.J Psychosom Res. 2015;78(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.11.018Kang HJ, Bae KY, Kim SW, et al.Impact of anxiety and depression on physical health condition and disability in an elderly Korean population.Psychiatry Investig. 2017;14(3):240-248. doi:10.4306/pi.2017.14.3.240Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.Tsitsas GD, Paschali AA.A cognitive-behavior therapy applied to a social anxiety disorder and a specific phobia, case study.Health Psychol Res.2014;2(3):1603. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1603Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkinGregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580Kandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. Washington, DC; 2013.University of Utah Health.ER or not: Panic attacks.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders.Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.Niles AN, Dour HJ, Stanton AL, Roy-Byrne PP, Stein MB, Sullivan G, Sherbourne CD, Rose RD, Craske MG.Anxiety and depressive symptoms and medical illness among adults with anxiety disorders.J Psychosom Res. 2015;78(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.11.018Kang HJ, Bae KY, Kim SW, et al.Impact of anxiety and depression on physical health condition and disability in an elderly Korean population.Psychiatry Investig. 2017;14(3):240-248. doi:10.4306/pi.2017.14.3.240Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.Tsitsas GD, Paschali AA.A cognitive-behavior therapy applied to a social anxiety disorder and a specific phobia, case study.Health Psychol Res.2014;2(3):1603. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1603Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkinGregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580Kandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. Washington, DC; 2013.University of Utah Health.ER or not: Panic attacks.
Cleveland Clinic.Anxiety disorders.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
Niles AN, Dour HJ, Stanton AL, Roy-Byrne PP, Stein MB, Sullivan G, Sherbourne CD, Rose RD, Craske MG.Anxiety and depressive symptoms and medical illness among adults with anxiety disorders.J Psychosom Res. 2015;78(2):109-15. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.11.018
Kang HJ, Bae KY, Kim SW, et al.Impact of anxiety and depression on physical health condition and disability in an elderly Korean population.Psychiatry Investig. 2017;14(3):240-248. doi:10.4306/pi.2017.14.3.240
Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.
Tsitsas GD, Paschali AA.A cognitive-behavior therapy applied to a social anxiety disorder and a specific phobia, case study.Health Psychol Res.2014;2(3):1603. doi:10.4081/hpr.2014.1603
Kaczkurkin AN, Foa EB.Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders: an update on the empirical evidence.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2015;17(3):337-346. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2015.17.3/akaczkurkin
Gregory KD, Chelmow D, Nelson HD, et al.Screening for anxiety in adolescent and adult women: A recommendation from the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative.Ann Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.7326/M20-0580
Kandola A, Stubbs B.Exercise and anxiety.Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1228:345-352. doi:10.1007/978-981-15-1792-1_23
American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed. Washington, DC; 2013.
University of Utah Health.ER or not: Panic attacks.
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