Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
A condition involving prominent anxiety or panic symptoms that develop during or soon after substance intoxication, withdrawal, or medication exposure.
Overview
Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder involves prominent anxiety, panic attacks, or worry that develop during or soon after substance intoxication, withdrawal, or exposure to a medication known to be capable of producing these symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include excessive worry, panic-like episodes, or physical anxiety symptoms occurring in close temporal relationship to substance or medication exposure. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Certain substances and medications, including stimulants, caffeine, and some prescription medications, are recognized as being capable of triggering anxiety symptoms.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Addressing the underlying substance use or reviewing contributing medications with a provider is central to treatment.
Medication
Adjusting or discontinuing the causative substance or medication, under medical guidance, often leads to symptom improvement. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
Reviewing all current medications, supplements, and substances with a healthcare provider is an important step in evaluation.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Symptoms often improve after the causative substance or medication is stopped or adjusted, though this should be done with medical guidance.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.