Physical Effects of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are a classification of mental illnesses that exhibit chronic symptoms of panic, dread, nervousness and fear. Anxiety disorders are further classified by the severity of the anxiety and the situations in which the anxiety occurs. Each type of anxiety has similar physical symptoms, but there are some differences between them.

Types

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, six million people suffer from generalized anxiety disorder or GAD. Those with GAD experience feelings of constant worry so severe it negatively influences their lives. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition characterized by feelings of panic and terror when involved in situations that remind the sufferer of a traumatic, usually devastating event. Panic disorder is what is usually referred to as an 'anxiety attack' or 'panic attack.' These are sudden and intense feelings of fright and dread. Social anxiety disorder (SAD or social phobia) is a type of anxiety brought about by being around others and fearing humiliation or embarrassment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• The physical effects of constant worry cause sufferers to have difficulties sleeping, muscle cramps and tension, sweating, nausea, headaches, rapid heartbeat and fatigue.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Because the symptoms of PTSD are directly connected to the traumatic event that caused the condition, the physical symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suffers from PTSD experience flashbacks in which they relieve feelings of terror and hopelessness. Physically this causes increased heart rate, sweating, nausea and pain.

Panic Disorder

• Of the anxiety disorders, panic disorder may be one of the most physical. In addition to feelings of terror and fright, panic attack suffers experience headaches, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination, increased heart rate, constriction in the throat and chest, shaking, cold chills, overheating, and a sense of imminent death.

Social Anxiety Disorder

• The physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder are exacerbated by the fact that sufferers of the condition often worry about being embarrassed, humiliated, or otherwise noticed in a negative way. The physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder include blushing, sweating, trembling, stuttering, and a lack of concentration. These symptoms are noticeable by others.

Treatment

• All the aforementioned anxiety disorders are treatable. Sufferers should know that there is medical help and social support groups available to help them begin to lead fulfilling, anxiety-free lives.