Emotional states can influence physical well-being, sometimes leading to a heightened body temperature. The mind-body connection is profound, with psychological factors often manifesting physically. While anxiety does not cause a traditional fever from infection, it can lead to changes in body temperature.
How Your Body Regulates Temperature
The human body maintains a stable internal temperature, a process known as thermoregulation. This intricate balance is controlled by the hypothalamus, a brain region often called the body’s thermostat. The hypothalamus constantly monitors cues to keep core body temperature within a narrow range, typically 97.7 to 99.5°F (36.5–37.5°C) when measured orally. It does this by activating mechanisms that generate or dissipate heat, such as shivering to produce warmth or sweating to cool down.
Anxiety’s Physical Manifestations
Anxiety and stress trigger physical responses by activating the sympathetic nervous system, known as the “fight-or-flight” response. This automatic reaction prepares the body to confront or escape perceived danger. During this response, common physical symptoms include an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and heightened sweating. These physiological changes mobilize the body’s resources, even in the absence of an immediate physical threat.
Understanding Psychogenic Fever
Psychogenic fever is an elevation in body temperature directly linked to psychological stress or emotional distress, not due to infection or inflammation like conventional fevers. Research suggests chronic stress and anxiety can influence the hypothalamus, potentially resetting its temperature set point. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, released during the “fight-or-flight” response, increase metabolic rate, leading to greater heat production. While exact mechanisms are still being studied, psychogenic fever involves distinct pathways from those activated during an infectious fever. Some individuals might experience a low-grade temperature increase (37–38°C or 98.6-100.4°F) during chronic stress, while acute emotional events can sometimes lead to higher spikes.
Distinguishing Anxiety-Related Temperature Changes
Distinguishing psychogenic temperature elevation from illness-caused fever involves specific characteristics. Psychogenic fever is often low-grade and tends to fluctuate with stress levels, appearing without other typical symptoms of infection such as cough, sore throat, or body aches. Unlike infectious fevers, psychogenic fevers generally do not respond to anti-inflammatory or fever-reducing medications. Instead, they may lessen with stress reduction techniques, therapy, or psychotropic medications. A diagnosis of psychogenic fever is made after other medical causes for the temperature increase have been ruled out through testing.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you experience an elevated body temperature, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. While anxiety can influence body temperature, a medical evaluation can rule out other conditions that may require treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if a temperature exceeds 103°F (39.4°C) or is accompanied by severe symptoms like a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or a rash. Consulting a doctor is also important if a fever lasts longer than a few days, or if anxiety symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life.