How do stress and anxiety influence urinary frequency?

Stress and anxiety can significantly influence urinary frequency by increasing it. When an individual experiences stress, the body enters a state of heightened alertness, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This physiological response is accompanied by the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can stimulate various body systems.

One of the consequences of this heightened state can be increased activity in the bladder, leading to a greater urgency to urinate and more frequent trips to the restroom. This phenomenon is often referred to as "nervous bladder" or "anxiety-induced frequency," where the psychological state affects the physiological function of the urinary system.

In contrast, stress and anxiety do not typically lead to decreased urinary frequency or alterations in urine composition in a direct manner, which distinguishes the correct answer regarding the relationship between these emotional states and urinary behavior.