Why does generalised anxiety disorder cause numbness and tingling?

During a surge of anxiety, breathing may become faster or shallower without you noticing. This can temporarily change the balance of gases in the blood and contribute to pins and needles, often around the mouth, hands, or feet. Muscle tension and prolonged posture can add pressure or discomfort. Numbness and Tingling is a common presentation of Generalised Anxiety Disorder, but it can also occur with nerve, circulation, metabolic, and other medical problems.

Record where the sensation occurs, whether it affects one side or both, how long it lasts, and whether it happens alongside rapid breathing, panic, weakness, pain, or a change in colour or temperature.

Pause and slow your breathing gently, aiming for a comfortable, unforced pace. Relax your hands, jaw, and shoulders, and change position if you have been sitting or leaning for a long time. Avoid breathing into a paper bag, as this may be unsafe for some causes of breathlessness.

If episodes recur, a routine appointment can assess both the sensations and anxiety. Bring details of triggers, distribution, medicines, supplements, and any relevant medical conditions.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe dizziness, loss of balance, chest pain, or new severe shortness of breath. Seek prompt assessment for persistent numbness, worsening weakness, a new loss of coordination, or symptoms after an injury.

Could my breathing pattern, posture, medicines, or another health condition be contributing? Do I need an examination or tests? What anxiety support could reduce recurring episodes?