North Carolina Neurological Foundation (NCNF)

Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition

This disorder involves clinically significant anxiety that is directly attributable to the physiological effects of a medical condition, such as endocrine, cardiovascular, or neurologic disease. Pathophysiology relates to dysregulation of central and peripheral neurochemical systems secondary to the underlying condition. Clinically, patients present with excessive worry, restlessness, tension, and autonomic hyperarousal. Diagnosis requires establishing a direct causal link between the medical condition and anxiety symptoms and ruling out primary anxiety disorders. Management involves treating the underlying medical condition, alongside pharmacologic or psychotherapeutic strategies for symptom relief. Prognosis is favorable if the medical condition is effectively managed.