Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Substance intoxication or withdrawal can produce symptoms similar to those of "true" anxiety disorders. If the most prominent symptoms are those of an anxiety disorder, and if there is evidence that they were caused by use of a substance, this diagnosis is appropriate even if the full criteria for the anxiety disorder are not met. The subtypes of substance-induced anxiety disorder are: with generalized anxiety, with panic attacks, with phobic symptoms, or with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The specific symptoms determine the subtype. If the symptoms are the result of withdrawal from a substance, they can occur up to 1 month later; particularly with benzodiazepenes, the symptoms of withdrawal may be delayed. As with all diagnoses, the symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment, and must not be better accounted for by another diagnosis. Many drugs and toxins can cause an anxiety disorder either during intoxication or during withdrawal; examples include alcohol, anxiolytics, cocaine, hypnotics, sedatives, anesthetics, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, antihypertensives, antipsychotic medications, etc. The anxiety symptoms associated with most substances should disappear as the duration of a period of abstinence increases, but there may be residual symptoms.

Visit the web site of the  Anxiety Disorders Association.