Physical Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety often go unrecognized. Your constant, mild stomach ache might be a symptom that shouldn't be ignored.

Facts

• The National Institute of Mental Health links constant and limitless stress with debilitating anxiety disorders.

Features

• Headaches, muscle tension and weight fluctuations are common complaints. Sometimes hair loss, insomnia, increased alcohol consumption and irregular heart beats develop.

Treatment

• Over-the-counter medications are used for mild symptoms. Antidepressants or sleep aids are prescribed as temporary measures, in severe cases.

Significance

• According to The Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer with anxiety disorders.

Warning

• Left untreated, stress can have a detrimental affect on the body. Serious physical problems such as irregular heart beats and hair loss warn that stress is overwhelming and may be signs of deeper, life-threatening problems.