Generalized anxiety disorder differential diagnosis
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Generalized anxiety disorder Microchapters |
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Differentiating Generalized anxiety disorder from other Disorders |
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Diagnosis |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2]
Overview
The differential diagnosis in generalized anxiety disorder is similar to that of panic disorder. It is important to rule out drug-induced conditions. The mental status examination should take in consideration the possibility of schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, and both specific and social phobias.
Differential Diagnosis
- Panic disorder- anxiety is only in regards to having a panic attack.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder- presence of flashbacks, hyper-arousal, and hyper-vigilance
- Social phobia- anxiety only occurs in regards to social situations
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder- presence of obsessions and compulsions
- Separation anxiety disorder- anxiety occurs in response to being away from home or family
- Anorexia nervosa- anxiety occurs in response to potentially gaining weight
- Somatization disorder- multiple physical complaints
- Hypochondriasis- anxiety in regards to developing a specific disease
- Schizophrenia- presence of psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
- Major depressive disorder- criteria requires two weeks of specific symptoms
- Medications- in particular stimulants such as methylphenidate, pseudoephedrine, and other decongestants or appetite suppressants.
- Drug abuse- particularly stimulants and hallucinogenics such as cocaine, caffeine, amphetamines, and PCP.
- Drug withdrawal- particularly alcohol withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and opiate withdrawal.
- Hyperthyroidism- presence of an elevated TSH on laboratory findings.