Alcohol-induced Anxiety Disorder

This disorder occurs when excessive alcohol consumption precipitates clinically significant anxiety symptoms, either during intoxication or withdrawal. Neurobiological mechanisms involve hyperexcitability of the central nervous system, dysregulation of GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling, and heightened noradrenergic activity. Clinically, patients present with restlessness, tension, palpitations, and heightened vigilance, often coinciding with withdrawal periods. Diagnosis requires careful temporal correlation with alcohol use and exclusion of primary anxiety disorders. Management focuses on cessation of alcohol use, symptomatic treatment of withdrawal (e.g., benzodiazepines), and long-term anxiety management strategies including psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Prognosis improves significantly with sustained abstinence and integrated treatment approaches.