Not every psychiatric symptom is rooted in psychiatry. Underlying medical conditions can mimic anxiety, depression, psychosis, or even mania — leading to misdiagnosis if you’re not careful. Hypothyroidism can look like major depression. Hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma can resemble panic attacks. B12 deficiency, lupus, brain tumors, and even infections like syphilis or HIV can present with cognitive, mood, or behavioral changes. As a psych NP or clinician, ruling these out is non-negotiable.
This cheat sheet is your clinical safeguard — reminding you to always think medically before jumping to mental health labels. Order labs, review meds, check vitals, screen for neurological red flags. The right diagnosis starts with the right question: “What if this isn’t psychiatric?” Because in psych, your first job isn’t just to treat the mind — it’s to protect it from being misunderstood.