Published on: 7/4/2025
How can stress lead to vomiting?
Stress can cause vomiting because it affects the brain and stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting in some people.
Explanation
Stress can lead to vomiting through several pathways. When a person is stressed, their body releases certain chemicals that can affect the stomach and brain. This can lead to feelings of nausea and, in some cases, vomiting.
Psychogenic Vomiting: According to research, psychogenic vomiting is when stress and emotions cause vomiting. This happens because stress affects the brain, which then influences the stomach.
Anxiety and Anticipatory Vomiting: Anxiety can also play a role. People may feel anxious about certain situations, which can lead to anticipatory vomiting, where they vomit in expectation of stress.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: Another condition linked to stress is cyclic vomiting syndrome. This involves episodes of severe vomiting that can be triggered by stress.
If stress is causing vomiting, it might be helpful to talk to someone about it. For mental health support, you can visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Wruble LD, Rosenthal RH, & Webb WL Jr. (1982). Psychogenic vomiting: a review. The American journal of gastroenterology, 7044108.
- Andrykowski MA. (1990). The role of anxiety in the development of anticipatory .... Psychosomatic medicine, 2204952.
- Taché Y. (1999). Cyclic vomiting syndrome: the corticotropin-releasing-factor .... Digestive diseases and sciences, 10490044.
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