Can Anxiety Cause Consistent Postural Tremor?

Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can anxiety cause a consistent postural tremor(when holding phone). The tremor doesn't go away even when I'm not anxious. I'm 21 years old and my index finger shakes while holding the phone and if I try to pull it up with my index finger it shakes even more. If I push my middle or index finger(s) against my palm the joint shakes rapidly.

Could this be due to severe anxiety?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The answer is yes.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

I have noted your symptoms.

I agree with you that severe anxiety can exacerbate or cause tremors of fingers. This kind of tremor while holding an object is also called action or postural tremor, which can also get exacerbated with severe anxiety.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (8 hours later)

But can anxiety alone cause the tremor in the first place?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Anxiety alone can cause tremors. In fact, the commonest cause of tremors is anxiety.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (9 hours later)

Well on that note, Thank you very much for helping me feel better.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you and best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar