Psychological factors affecting other medical conditions is diagnosed when psychological or behavioral factors adversely affect the course or outcome of an existing medical condition.
Patients may have 1 or more clinically significant psychological or behavioral factors that adversely affect an existing general medical condition (eg, diabetes mellitus, heart disease) or symptom (eg, pain).
Psychological or behavioral factors that can adversely affect a general medical condition include
Denial of the significance or severity of symptoms
Poor adherence to prescribed testing and treatment
These factors may increase the risk of suffering, death, or disability; aggravate an underlying medical condition; or result in hospitalization or an emergency department visit. Abnormal psychological or behavioral responses to a medical condition that do not affect medical outcome are considered an adjustment disorder (1). Patients may present because of a lack of response to treatments or with aggravation of medical conditions associated with stress (eg, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).
The treatment of these factors primarily involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (2). Stress management approaches may be helpful. Pharmacotherapy is reserved for comorbid psychiatric disorders or refractory symptoms.
References
1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, Text Revision. American Psychiatric Association Publishing; 2022.
2. Stoner CR, Perkins A, Durgante H, Birt L, Spector A. Systematic review of therapeutic interventions for psychological adjustment to physical health diagnoses in adults. Psychol Health Med. Published online November 3, 2025. doi:10.1080/13548506.2025.2573835
