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A 24-year-old female asked:
Do anxiety, stress, and depression really cause physical symptoms? i'm consistently fatigued, sleepy, and emotional. i have a really hard time staying awake at my desk job. i was diagnosed with pcos, hypoglycemic episodes, thalassemia minor, and costochon
3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Deborah Ungerleideranswered
Pediatrics 37 years experience
Yes, these can and: often do cause physical symptoms.It sounds like you have a few other medical problems, either in addition to, or causing your anxiety and depression. It may be hard to know what is causing what, so it's best to discuss all of this with your primary care doctor and/or your specialists and consider talking to a mental health professional as well. Try to stay positive and don't be afraid to get help.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. David Lipkinanswered
Internal Medicine 53 years experience
Yes: The mind(your brain) is in constant 2-way communication with the rest of your body via chemicals that travel thru the blood and via the nerves connected to the brain. Emotional
imbalance(depression and anxiety) can affect the functioning of your organs and may cause physical symptoms including pain. Evidence suggests emotionally healthy people experience less illness and may live longer.
3.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Judith Tellermananswered
Clinical Psychology 43 years experience
Anxiety: If your underlying illness is being treated and not causing these symptoms, then anxiety and depression can cause harm to your body leading to higher blood pressure, faster heart beat, shallower breathing,etc. It is recommended that you consult with a Clinical Psychologist for Psychotherapy and a Psychiatrist additionally for medication.
158 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 4, 2020
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