7 Effects of Anxiety Disorder on the Body
Looking for information on the impact an anxiety disorder can have on your overall health? Many people who are living with anxiety do not realize that it not only affects the way they think — it also affects the way their body functions.
About anxiety disorders
An anxiety disorder diagnosis is often given to those who experience ongoing anxiety that gets in the way of their ability to live their everyday life without experiencing uncontrollable or overwhelming anxiousness. It does not matter whether the anxiety is based on something real or something perceived, it still produces the same effects.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are real, serious medical conditions just like heart disease and diabetes and are the most common and pervasive mental disorders in the United States.
7 Effects of anxiety disorder on the body
The following is a list of seven effects that an anxiety disorder can have on the body:
1. Heart palpitations
An abnormal increase in one’s heart rate is commonly experienced by those who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. While heart palpitations are usually harmless, ongoing palpitations can lead to a risk of someone developing an enlarged heart.
2. Headaches
The fact that anxiety places a great deal of stress on the body often leads to those diagnosed to experience headaches. These headaches can be minor or major and tend to affect the entire head, potentially spreading into the back of the neck and shoulder area.
3. Breathing problems
Ongoing anxiety can potentially lead to someone being diagnosed with respiratory disorders.
4. Extreme fatigue
The ups and downs anxiety causes tend to drain one’s energy, making them experience various levels of tiredness that range from feeling a little tired to feeling extremely fatigued.
5. Loss of sexual desire
A decrease in one’s libido is not uncommon as anxiety leads to an increase in stress hormones. This additional adrenaline prevents the ability for someone to completely relax, which in turn creates a loss of sexual desire.
6. Increased blood pressure
While anxiety disorders do not cause long-term hypertension, when someone is experiencing an episode they will often experience a fast and temporary rise in their blood pressure. Frequent rises in one’s blood pressure can damage other parts of their body, such as the heart and kidneys.
7. Stomach pains
The most common types of stomach pains anxiety disorders cause include abdominal tension, digestion problems and irritable bowel syndrome.
Are you currently living with an anxiety disorder?
If you are dealing with anxiety in your life that gets in the way of your ability to perform your everyday functions, then know that there is help available. Since anxiety can negatively affect the way you think as well as negatively affect the way your body functions, it is essential that you reach out for help as soon as possible. Know that we are here for you, which means you do not have to suffer alone.
Request an appointment here: https://futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Solutions at (803) 335-5232 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a complicated disorder, and ADHD treatment requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Successful treatment often involves a multi-faceted treatment plan tailored to the individual. Though there is no cure for ADHD, a psychiatrist can help manage it with the right combination of therapies and strategies.ADHD is a chronic…
Child psychiatry is an integral part of helping children through mental conditions, such as anxiety disorders. If you have noticed the symptoms in your child, there is no need to panic. A child psychiatrist can help young patients manage their anxiety disorders to minimize the impact on the child's daily life and overall development.It is…
Mental health conditions that negatively impact an individual’s emotional state are known as mood disorder. Through various strategies, a psychiatrist can minimize this impact. While prescription medication is a common one, it is not the only one. In most cases, a psychiatrist will recommend a strategy that combines medication and psychotherapy.There is more than one…
A person’s mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it encompasses their emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Good mental health is necessary for someone to cope with stress, relate to others, make healthy choices, and live happy and productive lives. Here is how one’s mental state can impact every area of…