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<div class="css-0"> <div class="css-1u22pos"> <div> <p class="css-dmtxcr">Anxiety can impact physical and mental health. It can affect the cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, and respiratory systems, and it can increase the risk of infection.</p> </div> While many people know about the effects of anxiety on mental health, fewer people are aware of the physical side effects. This article discusses the most common physical symptoms and side effects of anxiety. </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="symptoms"></a>Symptoms</div> <div> <figure class="css-yhe8zq"><span class="css-rwmw5v"><span class="css-mjp0j9"><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcset="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/anxiety_affect_body_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)" /><source srcset="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/anxiety_affect_body_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)" /><source srcset="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/anxiety_affect_body_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)" /><img class="css-1jytyml" src="https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/anxiety_affect_body_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&amp;h=1528" alt="A woman standing in front of a blank wall clasping the back of her neck" /></picture></span><a class="icon-hl-pinterest css-1ieaq17" title="Share on Pinterest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-event="Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked" data-element-event="OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|" data-pin-custom="true" data-share-url="https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/05/anxiety_affect_body_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg" data-pin-log="button_pinit" data-pin-href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button?guid=McQd7wEZUS5E-1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F322510&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2022%2F05%2Fanxiety_affect_body_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg&amp;description=Symptoms%2C%20signs%2C%20and%20side%20effects%20of%20anxiety"><span class="css-8yl26h">Share on Pinterest</span></a></span><figcaption class="css-1wtn3ae">Clique Images/Stocksy</figcaption></figure> </div> People with anxiety can experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">most common<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span></a> include: <ul> <li>feeling nervous, tense, or fearful</li> <li>restlessness</li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5 keywords" title="Panic attack and panic disorder: What you need to know" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8872.php">panic attacks</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175241">a rapid heart rate</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323607">fast breathing or hyperventilation</a></li> <li>sweating</li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anxiety-shaking">shaking</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5 keywords" title="Fatigue: Why am I so tired and what can I do about it?" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248002.php">fatigue</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/asthenia-weakness">weakness</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325251">dizziness</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320111">difficulty concentrating</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155">sleep problems</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-causes-nausea">nausea</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/list-of-digestive-disorders">digestive issues</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thermoregulation">feeling too cold or too hot</a></li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321650">chest pain</a></li> </ul> Some anxiety disorders have <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">additional symptoms</a>. For example, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) also causes: <ul> <li>obsessive thoughts</li> <li>compulsive behaviors that aim to reduce the anxiety caused by the thoughts</li> <li>periods of temporary relief, which follow the compulsive behaviors</li> </ul> <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/178508">Learn more about OCD here.</a> <div class="css-1cg0byz"><aside class="css-0 css-0"> <div> <div class="css-az6x7v" data-empty="true"> <div class="css-1hjaa0k"></div> <div id="inline5__slot" class=" css-itezwm" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline5__slot" data-ad="true"></div> </div> </div> </aside></div> </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="effects-on-the-body"></a>Effects of anxiety on the body</div> The amygdala, an area of the brain that manages emotional responses, plays a <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.jneurosci.org/content/36/31/8050" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">crucial role</a> in developing feelings of fear and anxiety. When a person feels anxious, stressed, or frightened, the brain signals other body parts. The signals communicate that the body should prepare to fight or flee. The body responds, for example, by releasing <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322490">adrenaline</a> and cortisol, which many describe as <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5 keywords" title="Why stress happens and how to manage it" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145855.php">stress</a> hormones. Anxiety can significantly affect the body, and long-term anxiety increases the risk of developing chronic physical conditions. Some of the ways that anxiety affects the body include: <h3>Breathing and respiratory changes</h3> During periods of anxiety, a person’s breathing may become <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/looking-after-your-mental-health/anxiety/symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">rapid and shallow</a>, which is called hyperventilation. Hyperventilation allows the lungs to take in more oxygen and quickly transport it around the body. Extra oxygen helps the body prepare to fight or flee. Hyperventilation can make people feel like they are not getting enough oxygen, and they may gasp for breath. This can worsen hyperventilation and its symptoms, which include: <ul> <li>dizziness</li> <li>feeling faint</li> <li>lightheadedness</li> <li>tingling</li> <li>weakness</li> </ul> <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326831">Learn more about anxiety and its impact on breathing here.</a> <h3>Cardiovascular system response</h3> Anxiety <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">can cause changes</a> to the heart rate and blood circulation. A faster heart rate makes it easier to flee or fight, while increased blood flow brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. When blood vessels narrow, this is called vasoconstriction, and it can affect body temperature. People often experience hot flashes as a result of vasoconstriction. In response, the body sweats to cool down. This can sometimes be too effective and make a person feel cold. Long-term anxiety may not be good for the cardiovascular system and heart health. Some <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5149447/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">studies<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span></a> suggest that anxiety increases the risk of heart diseases in otherwise healthy people. <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/anxiety-with-heart-palpitations">Learn more about anxiety and heart rate changes here.</a> <h3>Impaired immune function</h3> In the short term, anxiety boosts the immune system’s responses. However, prolonged anxiety and stress can <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-16996-1_6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">have the opposite effect</a>. Cortisol prevents the release of substances that cause <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5 keywords" title="Everything you need to know about inflammation" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php">inflammation</a>, and it turns off aspects of the immune system that fight infections, impairing the body’s natural immune response. People with chronic anxiety disorders may be more likely to get the common cold, the <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5 keywords" title="All you need to know about flu" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php">flu</a>, and other types of infections. <h3>Changes in digestive function</h3> Cortisol blocks processes that the body considers nonessential in a fight or flight situation. One of these blocked processes is digestion. Also, adrenaline reduces blood flow and relaxes the stomach muscles. As a result, a person with anxiety may experience nausea, <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5 keywords" title="What you should know about diarrhea" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634.php">diarrhea</a>, and a feeling that the stomach is churning. They may also lose their appetite. <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4398234/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Research<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span></a> suggests that stress and <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8933">depression</a> are linked to several digestive diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5733421/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Studies<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span></a> show anxiety and depression are common in people with IBS. <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37063.php">Learn more about IBS here.</a> <h3>Urinary response</h3> Anxiety and stress can increase the need to urinate or increase symptoms of <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165408">urinary incontinence</a>. A <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5116264/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">2016 study<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span></a> found that people with an overactive bladder (OAB) diagnosis were more likely to experience anxiety than control groups. Researchers also found that people with OAB who have anxiety typically had more severe incontinence symptoms than those without anxiety. </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="complications"></a>Complications and long-term effects</div> Having anxiety can lead to <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">long-term effects</a>. People with anxiety may experience: <ul> <li>depression</li> <li>digestive issues</li> <li>insomnia</li> <li>chronic pain conditions</li> <li>difficulties with school, work, or socialization</li> <li>a loss of interest in sex</li> <li>substance misuse disorders</li> <li><a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193026">suicidal thoughts</a></li> </ul> <div id="widget_call_out_12ad09d4-55ff-4494-bc8f-3c31b7f490ca" class="css-crmikf"> <div class="css-10550dw"> <div> <h3 class="css-4c0yvm">Suicide prevention</h3> <div class="css-13ifv4s"> If a person knows someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person: <ul> <li>Ask the tough question, “Are you considering suicide?”</li> <li>Listen to the person without judgment.</li> <li>Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.</li> <li>Stay with the person until professional help arrives.</li> <li>Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.</li> </ul> If a person or someone they know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours per day at 800-273-8255. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711, then 800-273-8255. <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327007.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more links and local resources.</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="m3c9dba5b-e3a1-4816-88e3-d8ee5c9b7cd9mpd_firstQuarter_c4241363-2f73-4d60-bdae-7f14ad3ad633" class=""></div> </div> <div class="css-0"> <h2>What is an anxiety disorder?</h2> </div> Anxiety describes a group of disorders that cause worry, nervousness, and fear. These feelings of anxiety interfere with everyday life and are out of proportion to the triggering object or event. In some cases, people cannot identify a trigger and feel anxious for what seems like no reason. While people may experience mild anxiety in some situations, such as before an important presentation or meeting, persistent anxiety can interfere with a person’s well-being. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders represent the most common mental illness in the Nigeria and affect around <a href="https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/10/global-rise-in-depression-anxiety-hits-25-who/">25-30%</a> of Nigerians adults. While these disorders respond well to treatment, only 36.9% of people with an anxiety disorder receive treatment. </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="causes"></a>Causes and risk factors</div> Both environmental and genetic factors<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span> may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders: <ul> <li>traumatic life experiences</li> <li>genetic traits</li> <li>medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain conditions</li> <li>substance misuse</li> <li>ongoing stress about work, finances, or home life</li> <li>having other mental health disorders</li> </ul> <div id="hl-incontent-video-ad" class="css-1sxbpyw" data-adbridg-ad-class="hl-incontent"></div> </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="diagnosis"></a>Diagnosis</div> A doctor will diagnose one of several anxiety disorders in a person. Types of anxiety disorders include: <ul> <li><strong>Generalized anxiety disorder: </strong>This involves excessive anxiety for no apparent reason that lasts for <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">6 months</a> or longer.</li> <li><strong>Social anxiety: </strong>A person with social anxiety will feel fear of judgment or humiliation in social situations.</li> <li><strong>Separation anxiety:</strong> This form of anxiety includes fear of being away from home or family.</li> <li><strong>Phobia:</strong> This involves fear of a specific activity, object, or situation.</li> <li><strong>Hypochondriasis: </strong>A person will receive this diagnosis if they experience persistent fear of having serious health issues.</li> <li><strong>OCD:</strong> This involves recurring thoughts and compulsions that lead to repeated, compulsory mental or physical acts.</li> <li><strong>Post-traumatic stress disorder:</strong> This involves severe anxiety after a traumatic event.</li> </ul> Diagnosis will depend on the type of anxiety disorder a person appears to have. The <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition </em>(<em>DSM-5</em>) provides criteria that can help a healthcare professional identify the issues and decide on appropriate treatment. </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="treatment"></a>Treatment</div> Anxiety is often treatable, and doctors usually recommend<span class="css-xi2i42 icon-hl-trusted-source-after"><span class="sro">Trusted Source</span></span> a combination of some of the following: <ul> <li>medication</li> <li>therapy</li> <li>support groups</li> <li>lifestyle changes involving physical activity and meditation</li> </ul> The doctor may suggest counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one strategy that can help a person see events and experiences differently. <a class="content-link css-1pg8eb5" href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/296579.php">Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy here.</a> </div> <div class="css-0"> <div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="summary"></a>Summary</div> Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. It causes both physical and psychological symptoms, which can be very distressing. These include, among others: <ul> <li>restlessness</li> <li>a quickened heart rate</li> <li>digestive dysfunction</li> <li>impairments to immune response</li> <li>changes in breathing</li> </ul> Long-term anxiety increases the risk of physical illnesses and other mental health conditions, such as depression. However, anxiety can respond very well to treatment. Most people who receive treatment recover well and enjoy a good quality of life. </div>