Page 27 - Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments in Psychiatry

The Comprehensive Medical Exam in Psychiatry | 27

be created by a host of physical ailments. (For a full list of these
conditions, see the Appendix, page 102.)
Psychosis, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and/or a
general loss of contact with reality, can be generated by many
conditions that impact cerebral function. Brain injuries or
growths, neurological infections, drug reactions, and severe
endocrine disorders are just some of the medical issues that may
be indicated.
Anxiety is a state of nervousness, fearfulness, tension, and/or
worry. These disturbances can be brought on by conditions such
as cardiopulmonary problems, toxic conditions, hypoglycemia,
and a broad range of legal and illegal drugs.
Depression can include an array of symptoms such as sadness,
low self-esteem, lethargy, and apathy. Yet the person may
actually be impacted by any of an extensive list of ailments,
including hormonal problems, viruses, cancer, heart issues, and
side effects of medications.

Commonly Overlooked Medical Maladies
A number of common medical issues associated with psychiatric
sequelae are frequently overlooked. These include head injuries,
thyroid issues, sleep disorders, and low cholesterol levels.

Head Injuries

Failure to inquire about a history of head injury or events that
could involve head injury (such as sports and auto accidents)
could result in an undiagnosed risk factor for psychiatric
symptoms. In reviewing 164 patients a year after a traumatic
brain injury (TBI), Deb et al found they were 7 times more likely
to have depression than the general population. They were 11
times more likely to have panic disorder (Deb 1999).
Typical neuropsychiatric symptoms following TBI include
posttraumatic amnesia, cognitive disorders and dementia,
posttraumatic epilepsy, aphasia, depression, mania, psychosis,
anxiety disorders, personality changes, aggression, behavioral