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.

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