Anxiety Disorder Caused by a Medical Condition (ADCMC)

Medical conditions can create symptoms of anxiety nearly identical to those occurring with no observable medical condition, just as they can symptoms of other disorders, with dementia being a good example. Thus, if anxiety, panic, or obsessions and compulsions are the predominant symptoms, and there is evidence that these symptoms are the direct physiological consequences of a medical condition, ADCMC is the diagnosis. As usual, there must not be a better diagnosis available, the symptoms must cause significant distress, and the disturbance cannot occur only during the course of a delirium. Examples of medical conditions that could bring on anxiety are congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, and respiratory difficulties of various kinds. If the diagnosis is correct, the disorder should abate when the patient is relieved of the medical condition, although some residual anxiety is to be expected. Thus with anxiety, as with most mental disorders, the first step is ruling out a medical condition. If none is found many physicians-- probably not psychiatrists--might tend to prescribe valium and nothing else. Patients should probably ask for a referral to a mental health professional, in addition to any recommended drug treatment. 

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03