Can psychological factors affect other medical conditions?

Yes, in fact, there is a diagnosis for “psychological factors affecting other medical conditions.” This diagnosis is given when a medical symptom or condition (other than a mental disorder) is present, with psychological or behavioral factors adversely affecting the medical condition in one of the following ways:

• The psychological or behavioral factors have influenced the course of the medical condition, contributing to its development, exacerbation or delayed recovery.
• The factors interfere with the treatment of the medical condition (e.g., poor adherence).
• The factors constitute well-established health risks for the individual.
• The factors influence the underlying condition, causing or exacerbating symptoms, or requiring medical attention.

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