Can a bad mood cause an increase in body temperature?

Aug 24, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, body temperature may rise when someone is in a bad mood, but it may not. Poor mood can trigger certain physiological responses, one of which might be an increase in body temperature. However, not everyone experiences a rise in temperature with emotional changes, and some individuals may even experience a drop in body temperature when feeling down or depressed.

Generally, body temperature may rise when a person is in a bad mood, but it may not increase in some cases. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Yes: A bad mood may trigger certain physiological responses, one of which could be an increase in body temperature. Emotional states and fluctuations can affect the body's autonomic nervous system, thereby influencing temperature regulation. When a person feels emotionally aroused, anxious, stressed, or angry, the body's stress response activates the sympathetic nervous system, which may lead to a rise in body temperature. Additionally, negative emotions may cause physical tension and muscle tightness, increasing muscular energy consumption and heat production, thus elevating body temperature.

2. No: However, not everyone experiences an increase in body temperature during emotional changes. Some individuals may even experience a drop in body temperature when feeling low or depressed. In such cases, emotions might trigger certain physiological responses, such as decreased heart rate and muscle relaxation, which can affect body temperature.

If you are concerned about abnormal effects of emotional changes on body temperature, or frequently experience unexplained increases or decreases in temperature, it is advisable to consult a doctor for professional evaluation and advice.