Psychogenic fever is a condition in which a person experiences a fever without having any physical illness or infection. Instead, the fever is caused by psychological or emotional stress. It is also known as stress fever or psychosomatic fever.

In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of psychogenic fever.

Causes of Psychogenic Fever

Psychogenic fever can be caused by various psychological or emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and any other emotional distress that can affect the body’s temperature regulation.

Symptoms of Psychogenic Fever

The symptoms of psychogenic fever are similar to those of a normal fever. They include:.

Elevated body temperature (above 100.4°F or 38°C)
Chills or shivering
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue

Diagnosis of Psychogenic Fever

Psychogenic fever is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that it can only be diagnosed if all other physical causes of fever have been ruled out.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may also order blood tests, urine tests, or imaging studies to rule out any physical causes.

Treatment of Psychogenic Fever

The treatment of psychogenic fever involves treating the underlying psychological or emotional cause.

Various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and relaxation techniques can be helpful in managing stress and reducing the symptoms of psychogenic fever.

Prevention of Psychogenic Fever

Preventive measures for psychogenic fever include managing stress, practicing relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and seeking professional help if you are experiencing any emotional distress.

Complications of Psychogenic Fever

Prolonged or recurrent psychogenic fever can lead to physical complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and other health problems related to fever.

It can also lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Conclusion

Psychogenic fever is a symptom of mental illness that is caused by psychological or emotional stress. It can be diagnosed only after ruling out any physical causes of fever. Treatment involves identifying and treating the underlying psychological cause.

Preventive measures include managing stress, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking professional help if necessary.