Have you felt a shiver run down your spine, goosebumps, or tingling without being cold or ill? These are psychogenic shivers, also called aesthetic chills or frisson. They are a common, involuntary response to powerful emotional or sensory experiences, often resulting in a pleasant or neutral physical reaction.
What Are Psychogenic Shivers
Psychogenic shivers are involuntary muscle contractions, often with goosebumps, occurring in response to non-physical stimuli. They are commonly felt along the spine, scalp, or limbs. People describe them as a tingling, a wave-like feeling, or “chills.”
These shivers are brief, lasting only a few seconds. They are a normal human experience, often associated with a positive emotional state. The sensation ranges from mild tingling to a more pronounced shiver, but it is perceived as pleasant.
The Brain’s Emotional and Sensory Response
Psychogenic shivers involve interconnected brain regions and neurochemical processes. The limbic system, governing emotion, motivation, and memory, plays a significant role. Areas like the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens, part of the brain’s reward pathway, activate during these experiences.
When exposed to stimuli, the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, associated with pleasure and reward. Endogenous opioid peptides, similar to those released during other pleasurable experiences, may also contribute. This neurochemical activity explains the positive emotional tone associated with psychogenic shivers.
The vagus nerve, connecting the brain to many organs, contributes to the physical manifestation of these shivers. This nerve is part of the sympathetic nervous system, mediating physiological responses like piloerection (goosebumps) and pupil dilation. The brain interprets profound or moving stimuli, triggering this cascade of neurological and physiological events.
Everyday Triggers and Common Experiences
Psychogenic shivers can be triggered by various everyday experiences that evoke strong emotional or sensory responses. Music is a frequent trigger, especially powerful passages, sudden modulations, or changes in amplitude. Many report chills when listening to favorite songs or during live musical performances.
Beyond music, visual and auditory stimuli in films, inspiring speeches, or engaging with works of art can induce these shivers. Some individuals experience psychogenic shivers through Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), involving specific sounds or visual patterns. Recalling powerful emotional memories can also bring about this sensation.
How Psychogenic Shivers Differ
Psychogenic shivers differ from other types of shivers. Unlike those due to cold temperatures, fever, or illness, psychogenic shivers are not related to maintaining body temperature or fighting infection.
Psychogenic shivers also differ from tremors or shivers associated with anxiety or medical conditions. Pathological tremors are involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that can be persistent and interfere with daily activities. Shivers induced by anxiety are accompanied by feelings of distress, fear, or panic. In contrast, psychogenic shivers are transient, often pleasant, and do not indicate an underlying medical problem or emotional disturbance.
When to Consider Professional Advice
For most individuals, psychogenic shivers are a normal, harmless physiological response to emotional and sensory input. There is no cause for concern. However, if shivers become persistent, are accompanied by significant distress, or interfere with daily life, consult a healthcare professional.
Also seek medical advice if shivers are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as pain, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. These additional symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition. A doctor can help determine the cause of any unusual or distressing shiver experiences.