'Organic anxiety' in a middle-aged man presenting with dyspnoea: A case report

Abstract

We report a case of pulmonary embolism in a patient who presented with repeated anxiety attacks and psychotic symptoms and was misdiagnosed as having withdrawal seizure or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified. This case highlighted the nonspecific clinical features of pulmonary embolism and the principles in making psychiatric diagnosis. Careful history taking, thorough physical examination, appropriate investigation, and a high index of suspicion led to the correct diagnosis. The principle of hierarchy of psychiatric diagnosis (ie, organic over non-organic) and the possibility of comorbidities should always apply.