Does Anxiety Cause Fever?

Anxiety can turn up the heat - literally. Imagine feeling feverish solely due to anxiety. While the link between anxiety and fever is debated, its impact remains profound. This article explores this intricate relationship, emphasising that evidence varies and individual differences heavily influence outcomes. Understanding these complexities is crucial for anyone navigating the dual challenges of anxiety and physical health.

Understanding Anxiety and Fever

Fever: A temporary increase in body temperature above normal, usually caused by an illness or disease.

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 Fever?

Can anxiety make you have a fever? Yes, anxiety can cause a fever (psychogenic fever). It’s a psychosomatic condition triggered by psychological stress, leading to a body temperature rise.

Symptoms may include fever symptoms due to anxiety such as excessive sweating and headaches. The fever's severity and accompanying symptoms, like body aches, headache, and vomiting, can vary depending on the intensity of the anxiety. Some people experience a high temperature after a stressful event, while others may have low-grade fevers lasting for months.

Research Findings on the Connection Between Anxiety and Fever

Studies show an anxiety and fever connection, specifically through psychogenic fever:

Body's response to anxiety: Anxiety activates the body's fight-or-flight response, which releases adrenaline and increases heart rate, blood flow, and body temperature.

How anxiety affects body temperature: Psychogenic fever can cause a fever that reaches temperatures up to 41°C (106°F). It can also cause low-grade fevers that last for months.

Fever symptoms due to anxiety: Psychogenic fever differs from normal fevers because it doesn't trigger the body's inflammation or immune response.

Can anxiety cause fever and chills? Yes, psychogenic fever can affect anyone under stress, but it most commonly affects young women.

Factors Influencing the Connection of Anxiety and Fever

Can anxiety cause fever-like symptoms? Yes, several factors shape the connection between anxiety and fever, including the severity of anxiety, individual stress responses, and underlying health conditions. Personal differences in immune function and psychological resilience also play key roles. Environmental factors like sleep, stressors, and mental well-being contribute to how the body reacts, sometimes causing a body temperature rise.

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.

For personalised guidance, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider. Consider exploring the Mave Health Program for a tailored approach to mental well-being.

Do Read More About Anxiety

Managing Anxiety and Fever

Managing anxiety and fever involves addressing both mental and physical health. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and regular physical activity help reduce anxiety levels. Staying hydrated, resting, and maintaining a balanced diet support the body's recovery. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures proper diagnosis and personalised treatment for long-term relief.

Conclusion

The relationship between anxiety and fever is complex and influenced by various individual factors. Take the next step - discuss your high temperature or any fever symptoms with your doctor and prioritise your mental and physical health.

Citation

Anxiety and Body Temperature: A heated connection. (n.d.). Retrieved 14 October 2024, from https://www.grouporttherapy.com/blog/can-anxiety-raise-body-temperature
Can stress & anxiety cause a fever? (2021, June 11). Retrieved 14 October 2024, from https://anzmh.asn.au/blog/can-stress-anxiety-cause-a-fever
National Cancer Institute (.Gov). (2011, February 2). Retrieved 14 October 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/fever
Oka, T. (2015). Psychogenic fever: how psychological stress affects body temperature in the clinical population. Temperature (Austin, Tex.), 2(3), 368–378. doi:10.1080/23328940.2015.1056907
Rosanna Sutherby, P. (2022, April 28). Can anxiety raise body temperature? Retrieved 14 October 2024, from Psych Central website: https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/can-anxiety-raise-body-temperature
Santos-Longhurst, A. (2018, July 31). Can stress make you sick? Retrieved 14 October 2024, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/can-stress-make-you-sick
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