Confounding effects of medical illness in the treatment of anxiety

Praxis
F M Dattilio, D F Zullino

Abstract

Cognitive-behavior therapy combined with medication has proven to be an effective treatment combination for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders. Certain cases may prove difficult however, particularly when an individual is recovering in the wake of a serious medical illness in which many of the symptoms of the illness overlap with the symptoms of anxiety. This article reviews some of the complicating factors that may occur with such cases as well as techniques for helping individuals differentiate between symptoms that denote a recurrence of the medical illness and those that involve anxiety, especially panic disorder. Two case vignettes are included which portray the manner in which cognitive-behavioral techniques can be used to help individuals reduce their anxiety and panic and also effectively differentiate symptoms of a reoccurring medical illness.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Anxiety Disorders

Discover the latest research on anxiety disorders including agoraphobia, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder here.