Do I Have Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder?

Do you experience panic attacks or anxiety?

Is there evidence from history, physical examination or laboratory findings that the symptoms in question 1 (i.e., panic attacks or anxiety) developed during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication?

Is the involved substance/medication capable of producing the symptoms in question 1 (i.e., panic attacks or anxiety)?

Is the disturbance better explained by an anxiety disorder that is not substance/ medication-induced?

Can you confirm that the disturbance does not occur exclusively during a delirium?

Does the disturbance cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

It is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder.

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. The disorder is characterized by severe anxiety or panic attacks caused by a substance, such as alcohol, drugs or medications. It can be normal to have these symptoms spontaneously during intoxication or withdrawal from a substance. But it starts to be a problem when these symptoms go on longer and disturb your life. It may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor to receive tips and feedback on your symptoms.

While it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be of importance to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor will make sure to check if the panic attacks or anxiety weren’t there before the use of the substance, if the symptoms were already present before the substance use, your condition will not be diagnosed as substance/medication-induced anxiety. In order to receive a diagnosis of the disorder, the symptoms must significantly disrupt your life.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder. It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. First, the treatment will consist of the discontinuation of the substance. When the anxiety symptoms persist, additional treatment is required. Such treatment usually consists of benzodiazepines, especially if there is a possibility of dependence to the substance. Cognitive psychotherapy may help as well to understand how your thoughts and beliefs lead to anxiety. During this treatment, patients will gradually be exposed to the situations or stimuli that provoke anxiety. Relaxation training may also be included.