Can Anxiety Cause Stomach Pain and Nausea?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Yes, anxiety frequently causes stomach pain and nausea through the gut-brain connection. When you're anxious, your nervous system triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which directly affect digestive function. These hormones can slow digestion, increase stomach acid production, and cause muscle tension in the abdominal area. Research shows that up to 84% of people with anxiety disorders experience gastrointestinal symptoms. The vagus nerve, which connects your brain to your digestive system, becomes hyperactive during anxiety episodes, leading to nausea, stomach cramps, and digestive upset. Common anxiety-related stomach symptoms include butterflies, churning sensations, loss of appetite, and even diarrhea or constipation.
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