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Can Anxiety Cause High Fever?

February 28, 2026

Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms that can be concerning. For example, shaking, sweating, facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, and gastrointestinal distress. But, can anxiety cause high fever? It may seem unrelated, but it is absolutely possible. Northstar Recovery Center is here to help. Our multidisciplinary team of professionals specializes in anxiety disorders and other mental health concerns that affect daily life and functioning. We provide top-rated Anxiety Treatment In Massachusetts, covered by most major insurances.

Can Anxiety Cause High Fever?

Can anxiety cause high fever? Yes. Psychological stress can raise your body temperature. This is called psychogenic fever. It can happen to anyone and may be observed in those affected by traumatic or stressful situations, anxiety disorders, and other mental health concerns. Like a fever stemming from the flu, psychogenic fever is not your fault. It’s an unconscious reaction, and it can be concerning for those who experience it. However, you can’t treat a stress or anxiety-induced fever like a fever caused by illness. In many cases, psychogenic fever doesn’t respond to standard treatments, such as antipyretic medications (e.g., Advil), that might be used when a person has an illness or injury. In the case of psychogenic fever, treatment requires addressing the underlying cause.

What to do About Psychogenic Fever

As for what to do about psychogenic fever, there are immediate actions you can take, and then, there’s long-term management. Short-term, addressing psychogenic fever may involve:

Relaxation and mindfulness techniques. For example, deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Self-care. For example, resting if you need to, keeping cool, and staying hydrated.
Distractions and calming activities (e.g., taking a walk).

For long-term management of psychogenic fever caused by anxiety, getting help for anxiety is the best thing you can do. There are highly effective treatments for anxiety disorders, such as behavioral therapy, that can reduce mental and physical symptoms associated with the condition.

Mental Health Treatment In Massachusetts

Northstar Recovery Center offers mental health treatment in Massachusetts for anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. Our mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP) uses the most evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders and related concerns, typically conducted through a combination of groups and individual therapy sessions. For example, trauma-focused therapies, psychoeducation, and behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. All clients at Northstar get personalized treatment plans, tailored to fit their personal needs.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers In Massachusetts

About 20 percent of people who have a mood or anxiety disorder also live with a substance use disorder or vice versa. When anxiety and substance abuse co-occur, it’s important to address both. Our dual-diagnosis treatment centers in Massachusetts offer integrated care for clients facing addiction and one or more additional mental health concerns. This approach supports quality of life, psychiatric functioning, and whole-person healing.

Call Northstar Recovery Center for Anxiety Treatment in Massachusetts

Northstar Recovery is a leading provider of mental health and addiction treatment. We have two in-person locations, one in West Springfield and the other in Southborough, as well as fully online and hybrid therapy options so that people and families throughout the state can get the care they need on their time. Call Northstar Recovery Center for anxiety treatment in Massachusetts today at (833) 853-8153.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is psychogenic fever dangerous?

In most cases, no, psychogenic fever isn’t dangerous. Although psychogenic fever is not usually dangerous, it can cause distress.

When should you seek medical attention for a fever?

Even though psychogenic fever is rarely dangerous, it is essential to seek medical attention in some instances. Adults should seek help for a fever if:

Their temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
It is accompanied by serious symptoms such as severe headache, mental confusion, strange behavior or altered speech, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, convulsions or seizures, and unusual sensitivity to bright light.

A healthcare professional can rule out other causes (such as an infection or illness), which may be serious, and they can provide necessary treatment if your fever is severe or potentially dangerous.

How long does psychogenic fever last?

How long psychogenic fever lasts can vary tremendously. For some people, it can go away the same day it begins. For others, psychogenic fever can be a long-term symptom, lasting for months at a time.

What’s the difference between a psychogenic fever and a regular fever?

There are several distinctions between psychogenic fever and regular fever. These include:

Cause. Psychogenic fever is triggered by psychological anxiety, trauma, or stress, whereas regular fever occurs in response to infections, injury, or inflammation.
Treatment. Psychogenic fever is best addressed by treating the underlying cause (e.g., anxiety) via evidence-based methods, like anxiety therapy and medication. Regular fever is more likely to respond well to anti-inflammatory medications and ends when the illness, injury, or inflammation is resolved.

Symptom presentation can differ, too, though in some cases, the signs of psychogenic vs. regular fever can be hard to distinguish.

How does anxiety cause high fever?

Anxiety is a stressor for the body and mind. When you experience stress or anxiety, the nervous system is activated, causing what is called a fight or flight response. This triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. One possible effect of this is elevated body temperature. People may also experience signs such as rapid heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, shaking, panic attacks, or nausea, although everyone is different.

How do you get rid of psychogenic fever?

Getting treatment for underlying causes, such as therapy for anxiety and chronic stress, can help you prevent future cases of psychogenic fever and manage your symptoms overall.

What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are some of the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting about 30 percent of people in the United States at some point in their lives. Different types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder.
Panic disorder.
Specific phobia.
Agoraphobia.

If you have an anxiety disorder or suspect that you might, Northstar can help. The therapy process begins with an intake evaluation, which will help our team understand your treatment needs.