Millions of life stories. Find yours. And today only, get 100 bonus points for registering a free account! Join now!
Returning member? Please Login
Be one of the first to try out this new feature! We'd love your feedback!
Home  >  Health  >  Resolved Question
Resolved Question
Are anxiety disorders always accompanied by physical symptoms?
I thought I might have an anxiety disorder, but all the ones I looked up mentioned things like nausea and panic attacks and other physical symptoms. My panic is all in my head, though I think I may have had a tiny panic attack once. Is it still possible I have an anxiety disorder?
Posted 2 weeks ago
Best Answer
You would need to ask a therapist, because you could just be anxious about being anxious.
Posted 2 weeks ago

Sort By: Highest Rated | Newest | OldestOther Answers (10)
   1-10 of 10 Answers   
First | Previous || Next | Last
Posted Dec 5th, 2008 at 3:01PM
Many people have problems with anxiety that only manifest as a vague feeling of unease. It's not dramatic, but it can make life miserable.
Rated: +1Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 5th, 2008 at 3:01PM
I think that I have anxiety but the only ways that I had manifest it was a temper and this tendency to bounce in my bed. And this weird desire to run around where ever I could.
Rated: +1Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 6th, 2008 at 3:39PM
im no expert but do have aniexty,which usually has physical symtoms .but to have an anxoius mind say such as you are describing def needs to be checked out as its not good for your well being and health.i would see a dr to talk it over should u be concerned pet
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 5th, 2008 at 4:13AM
i think it is possible.. i mean my doctor thinks thats whats wrong with me but i dont knwo maybe you shoudl talk to a doctor.. even though i think they shoudl go to hell..
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 5th, 2008 at 3:07PM
Anxiety disorders are usually accompanied by physical symptoms, yes. But, having said that, the physical symptoms are sometimes not always what you would think of as being related to an anxiety disorder. They can manifest in any type of medical disorder. You say it's all in your head, but I'd guess you may have something going on in your body you aren't aware of. Have you seen a doctor recently? If not, you should get checked out and see if you have something like high blood pressure. Heck, you don't even have to see a doctor to get that checked out! Just go to the pharmacy and do the little sit-down thingy. You may be surprised at what you'll find. If you have an upset stomach, not necessarily nausea but diarrhea or something like that at times where you are anxious, that could do it. Mild anxiety doesn't always manifest physically, either, unless it's prolonged over time and not treated.

So, sometimes it depends on how severe your anxiety is and how long you let it go without treatment. There are so many things that depend on what is going on with mental disorders. I really recommend you get an appointment with a doctor to be seen. Often times, you can just see your PCP as a first stop, and they can recommend either medications (if they are an internal medicine specialist, they can usually do most things there) or a psych referral. I'm not advocating just meds, cuz you often do need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist and learn behavioral modification in order to fully resolve your symptoms! Good luck to you!
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 5th, 2008 at 6:08PM
No, there are not always physical symptoms associated with an anxiety disorder. You can have an anxiety problem that manifests itself "just in your head." It just depends on what anxiety disorder you may have.
I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder, and have had a few mild panic attacks in the past. Other than the few mild panic attacks, all of my symptoms are emotion/mind related. And just because there aren't physical symptoms doesn't mean it's not negatively affecting your life. If you are suffering or are tired of this anxiety affecting your daily life, go to see a psychiatrist to get evaluated. He or she may suggest therapy, medication, or both.
And just so you know, you don't have to feel ashamed or feel like you must be "crazy" for them to put you in therapy or on meds. I've been on medication for my anxiety and other things since the seventh grade, and it has helped me to become the strong person I am today. Good luck, and I'm here if you need to talk. *hugs*

~Jennie
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 5th, 2008 at 9:40PM
Sounds like General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). A.D.O are often accompained by physical problems - IE-Headsches, muscle acts, etc. See a doctor.
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 6th, 2008 at 6:07AM
I think I know what you are saying. Most of my panic is in my head during an attack too. But you should talk to someone about the thoughts you are having if they are interfering with your life.
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 13th, 2008 at 12:46AM
no they are not. I have General Anxiety Disorder and i have only had panic attack about twice but other than that the symptoms are all emotional and mental
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
Posted Dec 18th, 2008 at 2:36PM
For a person to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder they have to meet a certain criteria.Psychiatrists use a book called DSM (Diagnostic Syptoms Manual). You can have what is called general anxiety. General anxiety doesn't always have physical symptoms.
Rated: 0Vote for this!  
Report Abuse
   1-10 of 10 Answers   
First | Previous || Next | Last
Sign Up Now!

Anonymous & free
Join millions & get access to everything we have to offer in seconds

Choose a username:

Choose a password:

Your Email:

Age Range:

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Ask Your Questions to members
who have been there and done that!
Share Your Knowledge
Learn Something New

Go Ask Experience Now!
[What is this?]

Be YOURSELF

Be a part of the first social experience place on the web. Where who you are is more important than who you know. Share what matters the most and find others who just "get it."

Join now and get started in seconds, or learn more about Experience Project

Play to Save Baby Seals

Do Your Part

Play Trivia and help rescue baby seals from cruelty.

Of course, we love to hear Your Story, whatever it happens to be. You can be yourself here!

Questions For You
What's New

Check out the latest stories submitted. Show only your friends' stories, or see everyone's!

Support EP
Hearts to Support EP

If EP is important to you, please consider supporting us.

Support EP

Share the Love

You can now import your address book and quickly let your friends know about EP (you don't have to share your username).

You can also show your EP pride by putting a badge on your blog or website. Earn points by sharing!

Spread the Word

Horoscopes

Just for fun, we've added
free daily horoscopes!