What are the somatic symptoms of anxiety disorder?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Somatic symptoms of anxiety disorder include cardiovascular discomfort, respiratory abnormalities, gastrointestinal reactions, musculoskeletal tension, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms arise from psychological anxiety and are often mistaken for physical illnesses. If persistent somatic discomfort occurs without clear organic pathology on medical examination, timely medical evaluation is recommended.

Anxiety disorders can manifest physical symptoms such as cardiovascular discomfort, respiratory abnormalities, digestive reactions, muscle-skeletal tension, and neurological symptoms. These manifestations arise from psychological anxiety and are often mistaken for physical illnesses. If persistent physical discomfort occurs without clear organic pathology upon medical examination, timely medical consultation is recommended.

1. Cardiovascular discomfort: Symptoms include palpitations, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, and in some individuals, temporary elevation of blood pressure. These result from sympathetic nervous system activation due to anxiety, leading to abnormal heart rate and blood vessel constriction.

2. Respiratory abnormalities: Common symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and even a sensation of suffocation. These are typically caused by disrupted breathing patterns during anxiety—such as hyperventilation or shallow, rapid breathing—and are unrelated to structural lung disease.

3. Digestive system reactions: Symptoms may include stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, along with possible loss of appetite. These reflect gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by anxiety-induced disturbances in gut motility and secretion of digestive fluids.

4. Musculoskeletal tension: Generalized muscle tightness and soreness, particularly noticeable in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and back muscles, may occur. Some individuals may also experience muscle tremors or twitching, resulting from sustained muscle contraction due to the body's stress response during anxiety.

5. Neurological symptoms: These include dizziness, headaches, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, vivid dreams, and frequent awakenings. They are associated with imbalances in neurotransmitter secretion and excessive brain activation caused by anxiety.

Maintain a regular daily routine and avoid staying up late. Practice deep breathing and meditation to relieve muscle tension. Engage in mild physical activities such as walking or yoga. Eat a light, easily digestible diet and reduce intake of caffeine and spicy foods to help regulate overall mental and physical well-being.

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What are the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder?

Physical symptoms caused by anxiety disorders are diverse, primarily affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems, as well as sensory functions. Specific manifestations include palpitations, chest tightness, abnormal breathing, dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, and heightened sensory sensitivity. Managing these physical symptoms requires attention to emotional regulation, which can be achieved through techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to calm the mind.

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What are the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder?

In general, physical symptoms of anxiety disorder mainly include chest tightness, palpitations, dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle tension, and numbness in hands and feet. If such symptoms occur, it is recommended to promptly visit a正规 hospital for evaluation and diagnosis. There's no need to panic upon experiencing these symptoms—first seek medical evaluation to rule out physical illnesses. Daily practice of deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises can help alleviate tension.

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What are the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder?

Physical symptoms of anxiety disorders generally include cardiovascular discomfort, respiratory abnormalities, gastrointestinal reactions, muscle tension and stiffness, and sleep-related disturbances. Patients often experience palpitations and rapid heartbeat, with a noticeably strong or irregular cardiac sensation. Some individuals may also have chest tightness or chest pain, which is typically non-localized, short in duration, and not associated with organic abnormalities upon medical examination.

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What are the physical symptoms of anxiety disorder?

Physical symptoms of anxiety disorder include cardiovascular discomfort, respiratory abnormalities, gastrointestinal reactions, muscle-skeletal tension, and neurological or sensory symptoms. These physical manifestations often occur simultaneously with emotional anxiety and are easily mistaken for medical illnesses. If physical symptoms persist alongside anxiety, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. Unexplained rapid heartbeat or palpitations may occur.