Question 1

what is the medical definition of anxiety and stress?

Accepted Answer

Many sources: Anxiety can come from chemical imbalances, a side effect of medications, external stressors, too much change in too short a period of time, and other areas. I would say go to a reputable psychotherapist immediately and talk about what anxiety means to YOU.

Question 2

odd question but can stress/anxiety or anything else cause my meningioma to grow? or does that just happen on its own? y do i have multiple?

Accepted Answer

Typically stable: Meningiomas are typically very slowly growing benign tumors.  While uncommon symptomatically, some studies show up to 2-3% of the population may have meningiomas but do not know it.  In general, there have been no specific associations made with stress.  There are genetic disorders that do have meningiomas as part of the syndrome (eg neurofibromatosis, which may be associated with multiple ones).

Question 3

is stress related to anxiety?

Accepted Answer

May be synonymous: Often people say "i'm stressed, " when they mean "i'm anxious." but, not all stress leads to anxiety. If stress is defined as having a lot on one's plate and striving toward short and long-term goals, this does not necessarily lead to unpleasant anxiety. Perhaps this person is experiencing the flow of being engaged in life's challenges.  Our interpretations of our circumstances affect how we feel.

Question 4

how to control stress/anxiety?

Accepted Answer

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.  Don't isolate - spend time w friends &amp; stay active.

Question 5

anxiety/stress leading to illness?

Accepted Answer

Very possible: Anxiety and stress reduce your immune system and can lead to increase in susceptibility to viral and bacterial attacks.  A common example is shingles - commonly appears in people who are under stress - ie financial issues, family member dying, suffering an illness or even on chemotherapy.  Recommend eat right, exercise, smile, laugh and surround yourself with positive people.

Question 6

can stress/anxiety make you feel cold?

Accepted Answer

Yes: "cold sweat" is a common neurovegetative reaction to stress/anxiety.

Question 7

why does stress/anxiety make pain worse?

Accepted Answer

Muscle tension . . .: Pain is perceived and interpreted by the brain.  When one feels anxious or worried, one may tense muscles that worsen the pain.  In addition, in an anxious state one might focus excessively on the pain and avoid activities that might decrease how much pain is noticed. Carly Simon's 1974 song, "Haven't Got Time For the Pain" comes to mind.

Question 8

is anxiety and stress causing physical pain?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It is not uncommon for patients with high anxiety and stress levels to have a low pain threshold.  Be sure to see your physician if you are experiencing this.

Question 9

can anxiety or stress cause my butt to itch?

Accepted Answer

Not so likely: More likely you have a bug bite or some kind of skin reaction to soap or other product you're using.  If you cannot see the area well by yourself, please ask a friend to look.  If very severe, see your physician.

Question 10

how can i recover from my anxiety and stress?

Accepted Answer

Get professional: Help. Start by seeing your physician for a med eval to rule out medical causes. There are a # of ways to address anxiety: cognitive behavioral therapy, behavior modification, individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, psychotropic medications, qi gong, tai chi, acupuncture, acupressure, homeopathy, meditation, yoga, exercise program or progressive muscle relaxation.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Stress vs anxiety definition

A member asked:

What is the medical definition of anxiety and stress?

A member asked:

Odd question but can stress/anxiety or anything else cause my meningioma to grow? or does that just happen on its own? y do i have multiple?

A member asked:

Is stress related to anxiety?

A member asked:

How to control stress/anxiety?

A member asked:

Anxiety/stress leading to illness?

A member asked:

Can stress/anxiety make you feel cold?

A member asked:

Why does stress/anxiety make pain worse?

A member asked:

Is anxiety and stress causing physical pain?

A member asked:

Can anxiety or stress cause my butt to itch?

A member asked:

How can i recover from my anxiety and stress?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?