bob, stress does have all kinds of effects on our bodies, particularly our immune system but docs do assume once you have that 'anxiety' label that every ailment is because you're anxious. That's one of the reasons I've been trying to go without meds because as soon as a doc sees you're on a antidepressent, they seem see your problems in a different light. I went to see a dermatologist with bad skin recently and as soon as she learnt that I suffer with my nerves she prescribed antihistamines to 'calm me down'. She hardly looked at my skin - I was really put out, anyway - as I said earlier - sleep, fruit and veg and taking care of yourself will help - oh and a dentist too.
I've taken the plunge so to speak and taken my first dose of escitalopram - had a pretty big wobble for the past few hours but it's wearing off now, I'm on the road to recovery x