HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Anxiety Cause Cold Hands And Feet?

default
Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016
Question: Can anxiety cause physical symptoms? Specifically circulation type issues. intermittent cold hands and feet, slow capillary refill time, purple feet when standing....


I have been to several Drs and all have told me that physically they can't find anything wrong with me and I had a. Dr suggest it was stress/anxiety related.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Anxiety absolutely causes many physical symptoms. Anxiety results from hyperactivation of the limbic system in the brain, which triggers hormonal changes resulting in physical symptoms. These include headache, dizziness, palpitations, circulatory changes, tingling in the extremities, redirection of blood flow, shortness of breath, muscle tension, nausea, and other symptoms. What you describe is consistent with somatic symptoms of anxiety. I would seek treatment with an SSRI antidepressant such as escitalopram, which can significantly help anxiety over time.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (29 minutes later)
thank you Dr.

with that being said, what would you recommend I do to start to unwind this mess. my sore muscles are maddening. I am an electrician and I work physically. I typically average 10,000 steps a day and I am struggling physically at this point.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I would begin by getting assessed by a psychiatrist to begin an SSRI antidepressant such as escitalopram or sertraline. This will not impact your work. As for sore muscles, over the counter ibuprofen or massage therapy might be helpful.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
do you have any recommendations for a good clinic/Dr in Chicago? unfortunately you are in New York
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I would call your insurance company to obtain a list of in-network providers in your area.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Anxiety Cause Cold Hands And Feet?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Anxiety absolutely causes many physical symptoms. Anxiety results from hyperactivation of the limbic system in the brain, which triggers hormonal changes resulting in physical symptoms. These include headache, dizziness, palpitations, circulatory changes, tingling in the extremities, redirection of blood flow, shortness of breath, muscle tension, nausea, and other symptoms. What you describe is consistent with somatic symptoms of anxiety. I would seek treatment with an SSRI antidepressant such as escitalopram, which can significantly help anxiety over time. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers