Anxiety can be a reaction to stress or can be categorized as a general psychological disorder marked by excessive or exaggerated worry, panic, or fear. Frequent urination or urge to urinate is sometimes a symptom of both anxiety and stress. Though anxiety and frequent urination can be mutually exclusive, they may also occur together. The connection is believed to be triggered by the central nervous system and its response to actual or perceived stress and anxiety.
When a person suffers from stress, symptoms can include dry mouth, headaches, physical exhaustion, sweating, increased heart rate, and frequent urination. Anxiety, which is classified as general worry, fear or exaggerated stress for a period of six months or more without any obvious trigger, can result in similar symptoms. The physiological response of the body to actual or perceived stress is the production of hormones that trigger a natural “fight or flight” response within the brain. A natural reaction to actual stress, the same response to perceived stress or anxiety can cause these hormones to release, but with no purpose, making the body feel it must take action when none is necessary.
In some cases the signals transmitted between the brain and the body can be interrupted by stress or anxiety. This can result in digestive upset as well as frequent urination. People suffering from general anxiety disorder may experience more severe or more pronounced symptoms because the psychological reactions cause actual physical symptoms that tend to worsen as the feelings of anxiety increase. There are many physical symptoms of anxiety and frequent urination, upset stomach, difficulty sleeping and sweating or trembling are common ones. Psychological symptoms of general anxiety include feeling “edgy,” excessively worrying, and feeling fearful or easily startled.
Though there is an obvious connection between anxiety and frequent urination, stress or anxiety and frequent urination can also exist separately. Stress or anxiety is not always marked by obvious symptoms and some symptoms may be slow to appear. Similarly, frequent urination or overactive bladder may be a symptom of another condition. It is important for anyone suffering from symptoms of anxiety or frequent urination to talk to their doctor and discuss their symptoms. Stress and anxiety can have adverse affects on the body, which may be detrimental to overall health. Frequent urination or overactive bladder may be the result of a different condition and is easily treated. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about stress, anxiety and frequent urination.