Anxiety leads to itching, which in turn leads to more anxiety, and so on. In fact, there’s evidence that anti-anxiety medications and psychosocial treatments for anxiety - including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - can have anti-itch effects.Īnxiety and itching can result in a continuous itch-anxiety cycle. When you reduce anxiety, you might find that your itching goes away. However, during chronic stress, the body becomes less sensitive to cortisol, allowing for more inflammation and itching. In short-term stress, cortisol acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps balance out the histamine levels. Stress also activates the immune system to release histamine, a compound known to play a role in signaling itch sensations. But researchers do know that when the body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response is activated under stress, it releases a flood of hormones and other chemicals, such as cortisol and adrenaline. More research is needed to identify the specific mechanisms behind why anxiety and itching go together. ![]() The central nervous system (CNS), which is responsible for regulating anxiety, is particularly involved. The brain’s sensory, motor, and emotion-related areas are activated when we’re feeling itchy, and even when we just think about scratching. Research into anxiety and itching says that the brain plays a critical role in the sensation of itching. Psychogenic itching, or psychogenic pruritus, occurs when psychological factors trigger or worsen itchy skin. Some researchers call it the “brain-skin connection.” ![]() Unlike many other organs in the body, your skin has an immediate reaction to mental stress.
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