When to worry about tremor with generalised anxiety disorder

Anxiety activates the body's stress response, which can make the hands, voice or whole body feel shaky. Tremor may become more noticeable during worry, panic, poor sleep, caffeine use or rapid breathing, then ease as the body settles. Medicines, thyroid problems, low blood sugar and neurological conditions can also cause shaking.

Notice when the tremor appears, which body parts are involved, and whether it follows a medicine, caffeine, missed meal or stressful event. Slow your breathing, eat regular meals, reduce caffeine if it worsens symptoms, and take prescribed anxiety treatment as directed. Arrange a routine review if tremor persists, interferes with writing or walking, or differs from your usual pattern.

Seek emergency help for sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, loss of coordination, fainting or a seizure. Obtain urgent medical advice for tremor with confusion, fever, chest pain, severe palpitations, or inability to stand safely. These features need assessment even when you have a history of anxiety.

Ask whether your medicines or caffeine could contribute, whether thyroid or glucose testing is appropriate, how to record triggers, and which changes should lead to urgent review.