Diagnostic Tests for Claustrophobia
Claustrophobia Tests: Book Excerpts
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to Claustrophobia:
- Child Behavior: Home Testing
- Mental Health (Adults): Home Testing
- Mental Health: Home Testing:
- Brain & Neurological Disorders: Related Home Testing:
Claustrophobia Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Diagnostic Tests for Claustrophobia: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the diagnostic tests for Claustrophobia.
ANXIETY:
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
Patients with intermittent anxiety with long periods of calmness in between should have a wake-and-sleep EEG and possibly a CT scan to rule out a cerebral tumor. A 24-hr urine collection for catecholamines should be done also to rule out a pheochromocytoma. Twenty-four-hr Holter monitoring may be necessary to rule out a paroxysmal cardiac arrhythmia. In difficult cases, a 24-hr EEG or an EEG with nasopharyngeal electrodes inserted may be necessary.
Patients with constant anxiety should have a thyroid profile, a drug screen, and an EKG. If these are not revealing, perhaps 24-hr Holter monitoring may be of some value. With a negative workup, a referral to a psychiatrist is in order. It may be even wiser to consult a psychiatrist before undertaking an expensive workup.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003
Anxiety:
History and physical examination
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient displays acute, severe anxiety, quickly take his vital signs and determine his chief complaint; this will serve as a guide for how to proceed. For example, if the patient’s anxiety occurs with chest pain and shortness of breath, you might suspect myocardial infarction and act accordingly. While examining the patient, try to keep him calm. Suggest relaxation techniques, and talk to him in a reassuring, soothing voice. Uncontrolled anxiety can alter vital signs and exacerbate the causative disorder.
If the patient displays mild or moderate anxiety, ask about its duration. Is the anxiety constant or sporadic? Did he notice precipitating factors? Find out if the anxiety is exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, or caffeine intake and alleviated by rest, tranquilizers, or exercise.
Obtain a complete medical history, especially noting drug use. Then perform a physical examination, focusing on any complaints that may trigger or be aggravated by anxiety.
If the patient’s anxiety isn’t accompanied by significant physical signs, suspect a psychological basis. Determine the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC) and observe his behavior. If appropriate, refer the patient for psychiatric evaluation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Anxiety:
History and physical examination
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient displays acute, severe anxiety, quickly take his vital signs and determine his chief complaint; this will serve as a guide for how to proceed. For example, if the patient’s anxiety occurs with chest pain and shortness of breath, you might suspect myocardial infarction and act accordingly. While examining the patient, try to keep him calm. Suggest relaxation techniques, and talk to him in a reassuring, soothing voice. Uncontrolled anxiety can alter vital signs and exacerbate the causative disorder.
If the patient displays mild or moderate anxiety, ask about its duration. Is the anxiety constant or sporadic? Did he notice any precipitating factors? Find out if the anxiety is exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, or excessive caffeine intake and alleviated by rest, tranquilizers, or exercise.
Obtain a complete medical history, especially noting drug use. Then perform a physical examination, focusing on any complaints that may trigger or be aggravated by anxiety.
If the patient’s anxiety isn’t accompanied by significant physical signs, suspect a psychological cause. Determine the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC) and observe his behavior. If appropriate, refer the patient for psychiatric evaluation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Anxiety:
Physical examination.
(The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
The extent of the physical examination or medical workup depends on the age of the patient, severity of symptoms, and presence or suggestion of comorbid medical illnesses (3). Although many patients with chronic medical illnesses may suffer from anxiety, relatively few medical illnesses
directly cause anxiety. These include hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, tachyarrhythmias, and hypoxia from any cause (esp. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Testing.
Laboratory and other medical tests depend on clinical suspicion and the presenting physical symptoms. Hematocrit, thyroid stimulating hormone, and serum calcium are often all the laboratory testing that is necessary. Older patients who present with physical symptoms, especially chest pain, may need more extensive medical evaluation before assuming that the symptoms are caused by the anxiety disorder. For example, an anxious patient with atypical chest pain, aged more than 40 years or with cardiac risk factors, may need an exercise stress test before assuming the chest pain is not cardiac.
Diagnostic assessment.
Once it has been determined that the patient has a primary anxiety disorder, the following specific disorders should be considered (4) (Table 3.1).
A. Adjustment reaction with anxious features describes a condition in which the patient is experiencing clinically significant anxiety in reaction to a specific stressor, such as a major life event or interpersonal conflict. This diagnosis, which describes a more severe form of “normal” anxiety, responds to reassurance and short-term anxiolytics.
B. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, spontaneous, and discrete episodes of intense anxiety associated with symptoms of autonomic arousal (panic attacks). Patients usually present with physical symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. They may also develop anticipatory anxiety or agoraphobia, in which they avoid situations that may precipitate a panic attack (such as crowds). Panic disorder is usually very responsive to medication (antidepressants or benzodiazepines). Panic attacks can also be experienced in association with other anxiety disorders.
C. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition of at least 6 months duration, in which exists persistent, excessive worry or anxiety about several areas of life, often including physical health. These patients may be excessively worried about physical symptoms (i.e., hypochondriasis) and become high medical utilizers. Many patients on chronic benzodiazepines have generalized anxiety disorder. Often coexisting with other anxiety disorders, depression, or substance abuse, GAD is difficult to treat, but responds to medication and psychotherapy.
D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors or rituals. These symptoms must be specifically elicited, as these patients rarely present with these complaints. Handwashing is a common compulsion, and patients may present with severe hand dermatitis from repeated washings.
E. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes persistent reexperiencing of traumatic or violent events through flashbacks or nightmares with associated autonomic arousal. Patients avoid any stimuli that may be associated with the trauma. It is often associated with irritability, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbance. It occurs most commonly in veterans, refugees, and victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Substance abuse, depression, and other anxiety disorders are often associated with PTSD. No reliable effective treatment exists for PTSD, although antidepressants seem to be helpful.
F. Social phobias occur in patients who suffer severe anxiety in social settings, especially when they are exposed to unfamiliar people. These patients usually avoid any social situations. Social phobias respond well to cognitive-behavioral therapy and serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors.
G. Specific or simple phobias are characterized by marked and persistent fears of specific situations or objects that interfere with the patient’s life. Common phobias include fear of heights, closed spaces, flying, and specific small animals (e.g., spiders, snakes). They often develop in childhood as a result of a traumatic event associated with the situation or object. They are treated by cognitive-behavioral therapy.
References
1. Barlow DH. Anxiety and its disorders. New York: Guilford Press, 1988.
2. Stern TA, Herman JB, Slavin PL. MGH guide to psychiatry in primary care. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998.
3. Knesper DJ, Riba MB, Schwenk TL. Primary care psychiatry. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1997.
4. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter, 2000
Anxiety:
Diagnostic Approach
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
Anxiety ranges from a vague sense of uneasiness to one of imminent danger and dread. Thoughts race and concentration is difficult. There is a heightened self-awareness and startle response. Restlessness, bitten fingernails, tremor, tic, and excessive sweating are often noticeable. Sympathetic nervous system activation may cause palpitations, flushing, sweating, or diarrhea. Hyperventilation may occur, with lightheadedness, and circumoral numbness.
Heightened perception and negative interpretation of normal bodily sensations is a common stimulus to visit the physician. Anxiety is frequently somatized to symptoms of chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. Anxiety-related air swallowing (aerophagia) produces belching.
Repression is a defense mechanism, leading to dissociation from awareness and conversion to hysterical symptoms such as paralysis, anesthesia, aphonia, or amnesia. Blocking of one side of a conflict (a common defense mechanism) distorts the perception of reality, causing decision-making to become difficult.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Anxiety:
Physical assessment
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Perform a physical examination, focusing on any complaints that may trigger or be aggravated by anxiety.
If the patient’s anxiety isn’t accompanied by significant physical signs, suspect a psychological basis. Determine the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC) and observe his behavior. If appropriate, refer the patient for psychiatric evaluation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Anxiety:
History and physical examination
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
If the patient displays acute, severe anxiety, quickly take his vital signs and determine his chief complaint; this will serve as a guide for how to proceed. For example, if the patient's anxiety occurs with chest pain and shortness of breath, you might suspect myocardial infarction and act accordingly. While examining the patient, try to keep him calm. Suggest relaxation techniques, and talk to him in a reassuring, soothing voice. Uncontrolled anxiety can alter vital signs and exacerbate the causative disorder.
If the patient displays mild or moderate anxiety, ask about its duration. Is the anxiety constant or sporadic? Did he notice precipitating factors? Find out if the anxiety is exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, or caffeine intake or alleviated by rest, tranquilizers, or exercise.
Obtain a complete medical history, especially noting drug use including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Then perform a physical examination, focusing on any complaints that may trigger or be aggravated by anxiety.
If the patient's anxiety isn't accompanied by significant physical signs, suspect a psychological basis. Determine the patient's level of consciousness (LOC) and observe his behavior. If appropriate, refer the patient for psychiatric evaluation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Cancer is an upsetting experience. Worries about treatments and the future make it hard to function. Find what to do if the stress is too much to...
As people age, there are lots of changes. Some are welcome, like retirement and a chance to pursue new activities. But then there are some changes...
Poor sleep is a fact of life for lots of tired Americans. What most never realize is that they may be contributing to their own restless nights. What...
Anyone preparing holiday festivities knows that all that hustle and bustle can put a damper on a good night's sleep. Join experts as they share...
See full list of 11 related videos
» Next page: Diagnosis of Claustrophobia
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
