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SOMATIC SYMPTOMS FOR ANXIETY
The most common somatic symptoms associated with anxiety involve the muscular, sensory, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and autonomic system.
Somatic Symptoms Associated with Anxiety/Panic
System: Symptoms.
Muscular-skeletal: Pains and aches, twitchings, stiffness, myoclonic jerks, grinding of teeth, unsteady
voice, increased muscular tone, spasms, tremors, restlessness, wobbling legs,
clumsiness.
Sensory: Tinnitus, blurring of vision, hot and cold flashes, feelings of weakness, prickling
sensation, flushed face, pale face, sweating, itching.
Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, palpitations, pain in chest, throbbing of vessels, fainting feelings,
skipped beat.
Respiratory: Pressure or constriction in chest, choking feelings, sighing, dyspnea.
Gastrointestinal: Difficulty in swallowing, flatulence, abdominal pain, burning sensations, abdominal
discomfort, nausea, vomiting, looseness of bowels, loss of weight, loss of appetite,
constipation.
Genitourinary: Frequency of urination, urgency of urination, amenorrhea, menorhagia, premature
ejaculation, loss of libido.
Autonomic: Dry mouth, flushing, pallor, tendency to sweat, giddiness, tension headache, raising
of hair.
The symptom pattern varies from one time to another, at least in patients
with panic attacks. For instance, one patient reported these symptoms
accompanying three panic attacks:
9/12 2:05-2:30 p.m. shortness of breath, palpitations, fear of dying.
9/12 5:15-6:30 p.m. nausea, palpitations, feelings of unreality.
9/13 12:05-1:00 p.m. palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache.
Thus far we have discussed symptoms without considering patients’ interpretations of what the symptoms mean.
How patients interpret the symptoms critically influences the extent of anguish and impairment and their
decisions regarding where to seek help. How patients describe their symptoms will affect how they will be treated by a physician or psychotherapist; such descriptions will also influence patients’ estimate of the effectiveness of treatment.
