How common is headache in generalised anxiety disorder?

Ongoing worry can keep the muscles of the scalp, jaw, neck, and shoulders tense. That tension may produce a pressing or tightening headache rather than a pulsing sensation. Stress can also disturb sleep, change breathing patterns, reduce appetite, and make it harder to drink enough fluid, each of which may add to head pain.

A headache does not establish Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Headaches also occur with migraine, viral illness, vision strain, medication effects, and other causes. A clinician considers whether worry is excessive and difficult to control across different areas of life, as well as how long it has been present and how it affects daily activities.

Keep a brief headache diary: record when pain starts, where it is felt, sleep quality, meals, fluids, screen use, stress, and any medicine taken. Regular meals, gentle neck and shoulder movement, paced breathing, and a consistent sleep routine can reduce common triggers. Take pain medicine only as directed and avoid using it repeatedly without medical advice, since frequent use can maintain headaches.

Book an appointment if headaches recur, interfere with work or sleep, or appear alongside persistent worry, irritability, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating. Talking therapy and other treatments for anxiety may ease related physical symptoms, but a clinician should help choose an approach that fits your health.

Get emergency assessment for a sudden, severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a significant change in vision. Seek prompt medical advice for a new headache after a head injury, during pregnancy, or with repeated vomiting.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming. Seek immediate support if you feel at risk of harming yourself or cannot stay safe, and contact local emergency services or a trusted person who can remain with you.

Ask: Could my headache have a cause other than anxiety? What features should I record? Would an eye, blood pressure, or neurological check help? Which anxiety treatments could also reduce tension? How often is it safe for me to use my current pain medicine?