Shaking: Psychological or physical cause?

Dear Shaking,

Although more information is needed to determine the cause of your shaking, it sounds likely that it's being caused by stress. From time to time, many people experience shaking due to anxious feelings. These moments of shaking only become a problem when it disrupts one's daily life. Certain situations and concerns can trigger this physical symptom of excessive shaking for short periods of time. Examples of such situations and concerns include fears of:

• Test taking
• Addressing large groups
• Interacting with people unfamiliar to you
• Not meeting expectations you set for yourself

As these situations and worries dissipate, the symptoms usually do, too. Other short-lived bursts of the emotional and physical symptoms associated with anxiety include:

• Shaking, trembling, or twitching
• Breathlessness or rapid heartbeat
• Excessive startle reflex
• Sweating or cold, clammy hands
• Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge
• Excessive worrying
• Fatigue

Based on what you have written, your shaking episodes seem to coincide with school-related periods of stress; it could be surmised that the shaking is a physical manifestation of a strong emotion. To be certain of the cause of your shaking, you might consider scheduling an appointment with your health care provider. A medical exam could determine if your shaking is related to a more serious neurological condition. In addition, if the shaking is due to stress and it's really starting to get in the way of your life, there may be some treatments available to you.

Excessive amounts of caffeine (in coffee, tea, or energy drinks) or alcohol can contribute to shaking. If you use these substances, cut back and see if the trembling stops or lessens. Similarly, over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants and certain cold remedies, can also cause shaking, as can some prescription drugs. Talk about these with your provider if they apply to you. For additional information about tremors, check out this information on tremors from the MedlinePlus site.

Of course, right now you could look into stress-busting techniques, such as deep relaxation, meditation, or breathing exercises, which may also help with your shaking. Addressing the causes of stress may help you find the cause of your shaking. Good luck!