Money Sickness Syndrome Affects Millions

Money worries are affecting the lives of millions of people with many consequently suffering relationship problems and needing to take time off work, a medical expert warns.

Some 43 per cent of the UK population is suffering from "Money Sickness Syndrome" (MSS) which leaves them worried and stressed and in severe cases, unable to function, according to mental health expert Dr Roger Henderson.

This caused relationship problems for almost 11 million people with one in five reporting a slump in their sex life. Some 3.8 million people have also had to take time off work.

The survey from AXA also found that some 50 per cent of people argue more than normal when they have money worries whilst 37 per cent spend less quality time with their partners.

Dr Henderson says that physical symptoms of MSS include palpitations, shortness of breath and headaches, a ‘tight’ feeling in the stomach, nausea and diarrhoea, indigestion, a lack of appetite and poor sleep.

Psychological symptoms can also stretch from irritability and mood swings, general nervousness, poor concentration and forgetfulness to poor judgement and decision-making.

Dr Henderson said: "Money worries can cause significant problems in relationships, and people who suffer as a result are often in worse health than those who are in control of their finances."