Can Anxiety Cause Vomiting?
October 9, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, anxiety can lead to vomiting in some individuals. When severe anxiety or panic attacks occur, they can trigger a range of physical symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. This is often referred to as “anxiety-induced nausea” or “anxiety-induced vomiting.”
Here’s how anxiety can contribute to nausea and vomiting:
- Stress Response: Anxiety activates the body’s “fight or flight” stress response, which involves the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. This physiological response can affect various systems in the body, including the gastrointestinal system. Stress hormones can lead to changes in the stomach, such as increased stomach acid production and altered motility, which may result in nausea and vomiting.
- Hyperventilation: During periods of intense anxiety or panic, some individuals may hyperventilate (breathe rapidly and shallowly). This can disrupt the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood and lead to symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, and nausea, which may progress to vomiting in severe cases.
- Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: People with anxiety disorders may have heightened sensitivity to physical sensations, including those related to the gastrointestinal system. This heightened sensitivity can make them more prone to experiencing nausea or vomiting when anxious.
It’s important to note that not everyone with anxiety will experience vomiting, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Additionally, anxiety-induced vomiting is typically a response to acute or intense anxiety, such as a panic attack, rather than a chronic symptom of anxiety.
If you or someone you know experiences severe anxiety, panic attacks, or frequent nausea and vomiting related to anxiety, it’s advisable to seek help from a mental health professional. Effective treatments, including therapy and medications, can help manage anxiety symptoms and improve overall well-being. In some cases, addressing anxiety can also alleviate associated physical symptoms like nausea and vomiting.