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Physical Causes for Mental Health Problems

I know that Graves Disease can have symptoms that mimic psychiatric disorders (anxiety, psychosis, mania, irritability, etc...). What other physical illnesses have symptoms that mimic psychiatric illnesses? In other words, if someone suddenly begins to behave quite differently than they have in the past what ailments/illnesses/conditions/diseases should they be checked for to ensure that they have not been misdiagnosed with a psychiatric problem they do not have?

This isn't a casual question, but I don't want to get into the specifics because it would take to long.

Thanks!
Melody
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242532 tn?1269550379
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes there are many physical conditions that mimic mental illness. The most common are those that affect the brain directly either because of a mass or an infection or metabolic disturbance. There are metabolic diseases like porphyria that are rare and there are a whole series of diseases related to the pituitary gland and the adrenal gland that have to be considered.
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Avatar universal
Head injuries, ... the list is extensive.  Usually physical tests are carried out prior too or in conjunction with psych assessments.

Diagnosing is best left to the experts.  If you feel uncomfortable of lack confidence in an experts advice then you should seek a second opinion.

J
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Avatar universal
Hmmm, yes I would definitely like to know this as well.  Unfortunately, a complete list will be EXTREMELY long.    Message me privately if you want to discuss specifics, Melody.
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