Psychogenic fever, also known as emotional fever, is a condition in which body temperature rises as a response to stress or emotional strain. It may cause symptoms such as intense heat, sweating, headaches, and facial flushing, even when no infection is present.
In some people, psychogenic fever appears after a sudden emotional event, while in others it develops during long periods of ongoing stress and anxiety. It has also been linked to conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Psychogenic fever is diagnosed only after ruling out infections and inflammation, as fever has many possible medical causes. Evaluation may involve a primary care provider, neurologist, or psychiatrist, with treatment focusing on stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers rather than fever-reducing drugs.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of psychogenic fever are:
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Increase in body temperature;
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Feeling of intense heat;
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Facial flushing;
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Excessive sweating;
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Fatigue;
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Headache;
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Insomnia.
These symptoms may not all happen at the same time. According to the CDC, it’s recommended to seek medical care promptly if fever-related symptoms last longer than 48 hours to check for other causes, including possible infection or inflammation.
Confirming a diagnosis
Psychogenic fever is confirmed by a clinician based on the person’s symptoms and overall health history, including lifestyle factors. The clinician may also order lab tests to rule out other causes of fever, such as infection and or inflammation.
Possible causes
Psychogenic fever occurs when the brain's response to stress raises body temperature above 37°C (98.6°F), sometimes as high as 40°C (104°F). This reaction can also cause blood vessel constriction, facial flushing, and an increased heart rate.
Some situations that may trigger psychogenic fever include:
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Public speaking;
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Loss of a loved one;
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Psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder;
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In children, starting daycare and the resulting separation from parents for a period of time.
A sudden, unusually high increase in body temperature may also start during periods of stress and anxiety in people with conditions such as fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment options
Psychogenic fever is often temporary and may go away on its own. However, it can last for months when stress is ongoing.
In many cases, it does not improve with anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, or with fever-reducing medicines such as acetaminophen.
After diagnosing psychogenic fever, a healthcare provider focuses on investigating the underlying stressors in order to guide treatment. Treatment often includes anti-anxiety medications to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as antidepressants if depression is also present.
Talk therapy with a psychologist may also be recommended to help identify what is triggering stress and anxiety. Relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can also lower stress levels.