Can Anxiety Cause Neuropathy?

Anxiety can be more than just a mental burden; it may also contribute to physical conditions like neuropathy. This complex relationship between neuropathy and anxiety reveals that the evidence is mixed, with individual factors significantly influencing how these two conditions interact. Understanding this interplay is crucial for developing effective management strategies tailored to each person's unique experience.

Understanding Anxiety and Neuropathy

Neuropathy: A general term for nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling. It can affect the peripheral nervous system, which connects the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, skin, and internal organs. 

Anxiety: Characterised by excessive worry, tension, and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and sweating. It often manifests in various forms, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress but becomes problematic when it interferes with daily life.

Can Anxiety Cause Neuropathy?

No, anxiety can't directly cause peripheral neuropathy, which is a nerve disorder that results from nerve damage. However, anxiety and stress can cause symptoms that are similar to neuropathy, and the two can worsen each other. 

Research Findings on the Connection Between Anxiety and Neuropathy

Research suggests a strong connection between anxiety and neuropathy, with anxiety potentially causing nerve firings that can lead to sensations of tingling and burning: 

Anxiety and nerve-firing: Anxiety may cause nerve firings to occur more often, which can lead to sensations of tingling and burning. These sensations are also associated with nerve damage and neuropathy. 

Anxiety and pain: 2018 studies have shown that anxiety scores are higher for people with painful neuropathy and that greater pain intensity is associated with more stress and depression. 

Anxiety and neuropathic pain: A 2024 study estimated that 60% of patients with neuropathic pain also experience anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. 

Anxiety and neuropathic pain in mice: 2018 studies have shown that anxiety-like behaviours can emerge in mice subject to long-term neuropathic pain. 

Factors Influencing the Connection of Anxiety and Neuropathy

Several factors influence the connection between anxiety and neuropathy, including genetic predisposition, personal coping mechanisms, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle choices.

Additionally, the severity of anxiety symptoms and the duration of neuropathy can exacerbate this relationship, necessitating personalised approaches for effective management and treatment of both conditions.

Symptoms of Anxiety to check. This will help you understand when to seek help:

Symptoms of anxiety can vary widely among individuals and may include both psychological and physical manifestations:

Psychological Symptoms:

•⁠  ⁠Excessive Worry: Persistent concerns about everyday issues.

•⁠  ⁠Restlessness: Feeling on edge or unable to relax.

•⁠  ⁠Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions.

•⁠  ⁠Irritability: Increased sensitivity or frustration.

•⁠  ⁠Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Physical Symptoms:

•⁠  ⁠Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear that may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, or feelings of impending doom.

•⁠  ⁠Muscle Tension: Chronic tightness in muscles leading to discomfort.

•⁠  ⁠Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea or stomachaches.

•⁠  ⁠Hyperventilation: Rapid breathing that may lead to dizziness or light-headedness.

•⁠  ⁠Cold or Sweaty Extremities: Numbness or tingling sensations in hands or feet.

These symptoms can be debilitating and often lead individuals to avoid situations that trigger their anxiety. If untreated, anxiety disorders can significantly impact quality of life and overall well-being.

Managing Anxiety and Neuropathy

Managing anxiety and neuropathy involves a mix of lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and medications. Quitting smoking, caring for your feet, and using braces can prevent complications.

Relaxation methods like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation help ease stress and pain. Medications such as amitriptyline and duloxetine can treat both anxiety and neuropathic pain.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy may provide pain relief by stimulating nerves with electrical pulses, and slowing your breathing can help reduce anxiety.

Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance, and consider exploring the Mave Health Program for a tailored approach to mental well-being.

Do Read More About Anxiety

1. How to Help Someone with Anxiety: A Guide for Supportive Friends and Family
2. Reduce Anxiety immediately with other 12 Effective ways along with 333 Rule
3. How to Treat Anxiety Without Medication?
4. How Do Psychiatrists Treat Anxiety Disorders?
5. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique Exercise
6. tDCS Device For Anxiety
7. Foods to Fight Anxiety

Conclusion

The complex relationship between neuropathy and anxiety highlights the need for individualised treatment strategies. Prioritise your health by discussing neuropathy and treatment options with your doctor today.

Citation

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2. Blueprint Digital. (2020, August 4). 4 ways stress & anxiety are causing your neuropathy. Retrieved 15 October 2024, from Fox Integrated Healthcare website: https://foxintegratedhealthcare.com/neuropathy/4-ways-stress-anxiety-are-causing-your-neuropathy/
3. Dang, T. N., Tien, S. N., Ochi, R., Le Trung, D., Nishio, K., Kuwamura, H., … Urakawa, S. (2024). Enhanced anxiety-like behavior induced by chronic neuropathic pain and related parvalbumin-positive neurons in male rats. Behavioural Brain Research, 459, 114786. doi:10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114786
4. National cancer institute (.Gov). (2011, February 2). Retrieved 15 October 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/neuropathy
5. Sieberg, C. B., Taras, C., Gomaa, A., Nickerson, C., Wong, C., Ward, C., … Costigan, M. (2018). Neuropathic pain drives anxiety behavior in mice, results consistent with anxiety levels in diabetic neuropathy patients. Pain Reports (Baltimore, Md.), 3(3), e651. doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000651