top of page

Medical Conditions Causing Psychiatric Symptoms

Various medical conditions can manifest with psychiatric symptoms, and it's essential to consider both physical and mental health aspects when evaluating a patient. Here are some examples of medical conditions that can cause psychiatric symptoms:

​​

  • Hypothyroidism:

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.

    • Explanation: A sluggish thyroid gland can lead to reduced production of thyroid hormones, affecting mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
       

  • Hyperthyroidism:

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, and agitation.

    • Explanation: Overactive thyroid function can result in an excess of thyroid hormones, influencing the nervous system and leading to symptoms mimicking anxiety disorders.
       

  • Neurological Disorders (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy):

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and emotional lability.

    • Explanation: Neurological conditions can impact brain function, affecting mood regulation and cognitive processes.

  • Lupus:

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction.

    • Explanation: Systemic autoimmune diseases like lupus can affect the central nervous system, leading to psychiatric symptoms.
       

  • Brain Tumors:

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Personality changes, mood swings, and cognitive impairment.

    • Explanation: Tumors in the brain can disrupt normal neurological functioning, resulting in a range of psychiatric manifestations.
       

  • Infections (e.g., Lyme Disease, HIV):

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

    • Explanation: Infections affecting the central nervous system can lead to psychiatric symptoms due to inflammation and direct impact on neural structures.
       

  • Vitamin Deficiencies (e.g., B12, Vitamin D):

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive impairment.

    • Explanation: Insufficient levels of essential vitamins can impact neurotransmitter function and contribute to psychiatric symptoms.

  • Wilson's Disease:

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Personality changes, mood swings, and cognitive impairment.

    • Explanation: This genetic disorder leads to abnormal copper metabolism, affecting the brain and resulting in psychiatric symptoms.
       

  • Endocrine Disorders (e.g., Cushing's Syndrome):

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.

    • Explanation: Hormonal imbalances, such as elevated cortisol levels in Cushing's syndrome, can affect mental health.
       

  • Huntington's Disease:

    • Psychiatric Symptoms: Personality changes, depression, and psychosis.

    • Explanation: This genetic disorder causes degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, leading to both motor and psychiatric symptoms.
       

  • It's crucial for healthcare professionals to conduct a thorough evaluation, considering both physical and psychological factors, to accurately diagnose and treat individuals presenting with psychiatric symptoms that may be related to an underlying medical condition.

bottom of page