Psychological Factors Affecting Other Medical Conditions

Symptoms

• A medical symptom or condition (other than a mental disorder) is present.

• Psychological or behavioral factors adversely affect the medical condition in one of the following ways:

1. The factors have influenced the course of the medical condition as shown by a close temporal association between the psychological factors and the development or exacerbation of, or delayed recovery from, the medical condition.

2. The factors interfere with the treatment of the medical condition (e.g., poor adherence).

3. The factors constitute additional well-established health risks for the individual.

4. The factors influence the underlying pathophysiology, precipitating or exacerbating symptoms or necessitating medical attention.

• The psychological and behavioral factors are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., panic disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder).