Anxiety Due to a Medical Condition

In anxiety due to a medical condition, the most frequently displayed symptom is anxiety in some form, even though there is another medical condition present that underlies and leads to the anxiety. General characteristics of anxiety include muscle tension, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, or difficulty catching the breath. In addition to these physical symptoms, anxiety in general also leads to restlessness, possibly a fear of something impending that will be catastrophic, or fear of being embarrassed or humiliated.

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In order to give this diagnosis to a patient, there must be evidence that shows the anxiety, regardless of the way it is exhibited, is due to the direct physiologic effects of another medical condition. History, physical examination, or laboratory findings are used to establish this direct effect. Anxiety due to a medical condition is not better explained by another mental disorder. Clinically significant distress must be present, and the functioning of the person in social, occupational, or other areas of life must be impaired.

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Careful and thorough medical evaluation must be conducted to determine the presence of the medical condition that leads to the anxiety. Some of the medical conditions that may be involved in this disorder are thyroidism, hypoglycemia, and hyperadrenocorticism. Heart related problems may also underlie this disorder. Some of these conditions are congestive heart failure and arrhythmia. Breathing problems such as COPD, pneumonia, and hyperventilation also can initiate anxiety. Neurological conditions like encephalitis or neoplasms can lead to anxiety. And rehabilitation based primary diagnosis such as joint replacement, injuries, and other surgical procedures.

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There must be a close association between the medical condition and anxiety in order for this diagnosis to be appropriate. That is, the anxiety symptoms must occur close in time to the onset, worsening, or lessening of the medical condition. If the features of anxiety that are seen are not typical for a primary anxiety disorder, and there is a medical condition present, this is an indication that anxiety due to a medical condition may be an appropriate diagnosis.

Why ADHD Testing?

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When I first started my career in counseling, I wanted to focus on anxiety disorders, but after a couple years, I started to see a pattern. About 25% of my clients had, or needed to be tested for, ADHD. What I found is that most adults I meet are not hyperactive because most of those people were identified as kids. Instead, most of the adults I test and work with are "inattentive" (ADD) or are combined hyperactive/inattentive. They were able to get through school and in some cases work just fine and their life skills worked until they just didn't anymore. Most adults report not being able to achieve goals that others seem to achieve easily or feeling anxiety that medication doesn't even help.  While ADHD isn't the only answer, it can be for many people, which means you can finally identify your stuck point and start moving forward with your life. 

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Though it's called adult ADHD, symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood. In some cases, ADHD is not recognized or diagnosed until the person is an adult. Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. In adults, hyperactivity may decrease, but struggles with impulsiveness, restlessness and difficulty paying attention may continue. 

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Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects mental health that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.  Treatment for adult ADHD is similar to treatment for childhood ADHD. Adult ADHD treatment can include medication, executive function skills coaching, psychological counseling, and treatment for any mental health conditions that occur along with ADHD.

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ADHD / ADD Adult Evaluation

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To complete the ADHD Evaluation, you will schedule a New Client appointment, select ADHD Testing, and then schedule a date and time. You will then receive an email from my Client Portal where you will complete a pre-visit questionnaire, some general assessments, and the Adult ADHD Rating Scale (ASRS-V1.1). After that point you can schedule your second appointment (at least 7 days later). 

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At the first session, you will complete the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) and participate in a clinical interview. At the second session, we will review the results of the assessments and you will be given a formal report to take to your PCP/Psychiatrist if you wish to pursue medication. 

​If you wish to get supportive therapy with ADHD testing, schedule your testing first, and then we will transition to counseling at the second session. 

​Fees

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The cost for the ADHD Testing is $270 (2 sessions at $135 each). This includes the cost of the clinical interview, one test administration / scoring / interpretation, report writing, and any ancillary fees associated with the evaluation. You will be charged $135 at each session. The report is provided after the payment of $270 has been paid in full. 

​If you cancel your appointment with less than 24-hour notice (from appt time), there is a $135 late cancel/no show fee. This is charged immediately and must be paid prior to rescheduling the next appointment. 

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​Follow-up Recommendations

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During the second session, Jennifer will provide information as an Integrative Medicine Practitioner if desired and how ADHD might relate to overcoming anxiety worry and fear. She can also review information about medication, executive function skill building, and Health and Wellness balance with ADHD. If any strong concerns are identified during the evaluation process, you will be informed. Recommendations may include referrals for mental health treatment or other services.

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In addition to completing the evaluation, Dr. Erickson is also available to provide 2 additional follow up therapy sessions to help you learn more about ADHD and medication assistance if you chose that option.