Substance- or medication-induced anxiety

After stimulants, caffeine, cannabis, alcohol/benzo withdrawal, antidepressant activation, steroid use

RoutineReview due

Compare (7)

At a glance

High-risk causes: 4
Related differentials: 6

Safety snapshot

Watch forWithdrawal seizuressevere agitationserotonin toxicitychest pain

Presentation hinge

Abrupt peak over minutes, recurrent unexpected attacks, anticipatory anxiety or avoidance.

Separates the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group. It is not specific to Substance- or medication-induced anxiety.

Clinical review

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group — not specific to Substance- or medication-induced anxiety

Why it fits

After stimulants, caffeine, cannabis, alcohol/benzo withdrawal, antidepressant activation, steroid use

Key features

Must-not-miss

Withdrawal seizures, severe agitation, serotonin toxicity, chest pain.

High-risk causes4 causes

Withdrawal seizures
severe agitation
serotonin toxicity
chest pain

Bedside question

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

Abrupt peak over minutes, recurrent unexpected attacks, anticipatory anxiety or avoidance.

Helpful clues

Immediate action

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

None listed

Priority steps

Investigations

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

None listed

Core tests

Mimics / overlap

Applies to the Anxiety / Panic / Obsessions / Health Anxiety group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.