Physical Anxiety Symptoms: Understanding the Manifestations

Anxiety is a common emotional experience, but when it becomes overwhelming and difficult to articulate verbally, it often manifests through physical discomfort. This phenomenon, known as physical or somatic anxiety, typically presents symptoms that cannot be traced back to a medical condition. Below are the primary physical manifestations of somatic anxiety:

Sensory System Symptoms

During episodes of anxiety, the locus coeruleus—a region in the brain responsible for releasing norepinephrine—becomes overactive. This can initially lead to sensory dulling or even numbness in certain body parts. However, in cases of long-term anxiety, norepinephrine stores become depleted, causing an increase in sensitivity to pain and other sensations. Patients may report sensations such as sharp, stabbing pains, tingling, or persistent muscle aches.

Musculoskeletal System Symptoms

Heightened norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex during anxiety can interfere with dopamine activity in the striatum, resulting in increased muscle tension. This can lead to a variety of physical complaints, including tightness in the head or neck, stiffness in the back, and chest discomfort. In more severe cases, increased muscle tone in the lower limbs can cause feelings of unsteadiness, dizziness, or the sensation of nearly falling.

Sympathetic Nervous System Symptoms

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system raises the body's alertness level and amplifies sensory input. As a result, individuals may experience disrupted sleep patterns, frequent dreams, reduced concentration, memory lapses, and persistent fatigue. These symptoms can significantly affect daily functioning and overall well-being.

Other Systemic Symptoms

Physical anxiety can also impact various other systems in the body. Common symptoms include rapid heartbeat, cold sensations in the back, excessive sweating, bloating, and progressive difficulty with urination. In some cases, prolonged sympathetic nervous system activation leads to a state of exhaustion, which can cause the parasympathetic nervous system to become overactive. This imbalance may result in gastrointestinal changes, hot flashes, increased mucus production, and altered bowel movements.

When to Seek Help

If these symptoms begin to interfere with your daily life, relationships, or work, it's essential to seek professional help. Visiting a psychosomatic medicine department or a specialized psychiatric clinic can provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.