Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can present differently for everyone. There are different classifications and types of anxiety, and its common for a person with one subtype to have qualities of another type of anxiety disorder.

Here we’ll go over some of the more common signs and symptoms of anxiety. For more information about Anxiety click here. 

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

There tends to be some combination of emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety. Some people feels it more mentally or emotionally versus others feeling more physical manifestations. It is common for people to feel both [3] [1] [4].

Emotional Symptoms

1. Nervousness
2. Irritability
3. Dread
4. Insomnia
5. Exaggerated startle response
6. Easily distracted and unable to concentrate

Motor Tension

1. Muscle twitches or tremors
2. Restlessness
3. Shakiness
4. Fatigue
5. Muscle aches or tension
6. Paresthesia (numbness/tingling)

A big part of anxiety is nervous system hyperactivity. Since the autonomic nervus system innervates the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal systems, we tend to see some symptoms that are purely a result of this over-activity.

Autonomic Hyperactivity

1. Cardiopulmonary Symptoms
   • Palpitations and tachycardia
   • Shortness of Breath
   • Dyspnea on exertion
   • Chest Pain
   • Sweating or cold palms
   • Diaphoresis
2. Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Symptoms
   • Choking sensation or globus hystericus
   • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
   • Heartburn or GERD
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Abdominal Pain
   • Anorexia
   • Frequent urination
3. Neurological Symptoms
   • Dizziness, light headedness, faintness
   • Headache