Which of the following is a common gastrointestinal symptom associated with anxiety?

A common gastrointestinal symptom associated with anxiety is nausea or an upset stomach. Anxiety can trigger the body's stress response, which may lead to various physical symptoms, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. This is because the gut is closely connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis, meaning that emotional states can significantly influence digestive health.

When a person experiences anxiety, it can lead to an increase in stomach acid production or disrupt the normal function of the digestive system, resulting in sensations of nausea or discomfort in the stomach area. This response can be due to muscle tension, altered gut motility, or changes in the release of digestive enzymes.

Understanding the connection between anxiety and gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, allowing healthcare providers to address both mental health and digestive issues when they co-occur.