psychological factors affecting medical condition
in DSM–IV–TR, a clinical category, classified under “Other Conditions,” comprising psychological and behavioral factors that adversely affect the course, treatment, or outcome of a general medical condition (e.g., by exacerbating symptoms or delaying recovery). The factors include mental disorders and psychological symptoms (e.g., major depressive disorder, anxiety), personality traits (e.g., hostile, denying), physiological response to stress, and behavior patterns detrimental to health (e.g., overeating, excessive alcohol consumption). A wide range of medical conditions can be affected by psychological factors: cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and rheumatological disorders; cancers; and many others. In DSM–5, this category is labeled psychological factors affecting other medical conditions and is classified under somatic symptom and related disorders.