Question 1

is there a link between anxiety and changes in stools?

Accepted Answer

Oh yes: The same neurotransmiiters and receptors in the brain (serotonin, Dopamine and others) also occur in the gut.  Some people get loose stools with anxiety, or frequent stools, some get constipated (more common with depression); "butterflies in the stomach", being "scared -----" show the effects of mental state on gut function.

Question 2

can anxiety and stress change stool shapes, colour and ability to pass a stool?

Accepted Answer

See MD: No direct connection between stress and changes in stool. Suggest you see your primary care provider to find out what can be causing bowel changes. Not knowing for sure may be contributing to your anxiety and stress. If your anxiety persists, it may be helpful to speak to a psychotherapist for coping strategies and guidance. Hope this helps.

Question 3

i was dx w/ibs younger. im 28. what causes variation in stool size & shape excluding cancer? could tension/anxiety/ibs cause the change? why? thank yo

Accepted Answer

See answer: altered bowel habits is a feature of IBS and relates to several factors including spasms of the bowel, altered bacterial environment, and sensitivity to certain food triggers. For many IBS patients, stress/anxiety seem to provoke the already sensitive nerves and can flare up their IBS symptoms. More info here: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-beyond-the-basics
Good luck!

Question 4

is it normal for your stool to change in shade? had pale brown stool movement last couple of days which had set my anxiety off?

Accepted Answer

: The stool color is provided by the bile from the liver that is adds to fecal debris. It starts out a deep green &amp; slowly changes thru greens to yellows to browns as the germs in the intestines metabolize the bile. Pale generally means the stool in question moved through faster or was subject to less change by gut germs.

Question 5

im 21 & female but i just have anxiety when it comes to health stuff.i have been worried have rectal cancer.how do i know if i have a lump or mass in rectal.like i have some symptoms like mucus in stool, cramping,change in bowel movement for 17 day?

Accepted Answer

Need to examine: It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without taking additional history, physical examination and may be some tests. It would be prudent to see your doctor and discuss if you may be depressed. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, exercise may help. Start with low intensity exercise such as walking and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated. Drink more water. Wish you good health!

Question 6

feel like when i go through anxiety/stress my usually well behaved stomach causes me for past month to start burping alot, feel like food moves slowly down my throat, random pit of stomach pain, stool amount changes/bm's less frequent. no bloody bm. ?

Accepted Answer

For some people -: the GI tract can be quite reaction to stress. Please work on reducing stress/ anxiety. Talking therapy ranks really high. Cognitive Behavioral therapy or psychotherapy can be effective. Aim for daily exercise, 8 hours of sleep per night &amp; good nutrition w 5 servings of veggies &amp; 4 of fruit per day. Try tai chi, yoga, Qi Gong, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises &amp; meditation.

Question 7

can anxiety and stress cause floating stools?

Accepted Answer

: Anxiety and stress can cause     loose stools and diarrhea. Floating stools can also occur but the floating  is from a high fiber diet and gas. See your doctor for exam and treatment.

Question 8

why do i have soft stool, anxiety and panic disorders?

Accepted Answer

Diet & supplements?: The state of your stool also depends greatly on the kind of food you're eating, and the supplements you're taking.  Vitamin c and magnesium, for instance, are known to cause soft stool, even diarrhea.  Also certain dietary changes, like eating a lot of fruit when you're not used to that. Additionally, anxiety can affect digestive processes too.  Review such possibilities with your own doctor.

Question 9

i'm 36. lately stool looks different every day... no blood but some days it's smaller, shorter, thinner and other days longer or thicker. sometimes feel like i didn't empty out fully. happens usually when i'm going through anxiety. causes?

Accepted Answer

: Stool shape and color often has to do with dietary intake. Different substances in the diet will cause stool alterations-including color and shape/size. If you continue to feel like you are not emptying, you should see a GI doctor to get an evaluation to be certain this is not an issue. If it is due to constipation, after a complete evaluation, a treatment can be pursued. You may need colonoscopy.

Question 10

can anxiety make you feel nauseous, weak and make your stools soft?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Yes to all of these!

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Doctor answers about:

Is there a link between anxiety and changes in stools

A member asked:

Is there a link between anxiety and changes in stools?

A member asked:

Can anxiety and stress change stool shapes, colour and ability to pass a stool?

A member asked:

I was dx w/ibs younger. im 28. what causes variation in stool size & shape excluding cancer? could tension/anxiety/ibs cause the change? why? thank yo

A member asked:

Is it normal for your stool to change in shade? had pale brown stool movement last couple of days which had set my anxiety off?

A member asked:

Im 21 & female but i just have anxiety when it comes to health stuff.i have been worried have rectal cancer.how do i know if i have a lump or mass in rectal.like i have some symptoms like mucus in stool, cramping,change in bowel movement for 17 day?

A member asked:

Feel like when i go through anxiety/stress my usually well behaved stomach causes me for past month to start burping alot, feel like food moves slowly down my throat, random pit of stomach pain, stool amount changes/bm's less frequent. no bloody bm. ?

A member asked:

Can anxiety and stress cause floating stools?

A member asked:

Why do i have soft stool, anxiety and panic disorders?

A member asked:

I'm 36. lately stool looks different every day... no blood but some days it's smaller, shorter, thinner and other days longer or thicker. sometimes feel like i didn't empty out fully. happens usually when i'm going through anxiety. causes?

A member asked:

Can anxiety make you feel nauseous, weak and make your stools soft?

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