ForTheWardsFTW
HomeHow It WorksScenariosSign In
Sign In
Back to Scenarios

The Anxious Heart: Hyperthyroidism

Take a history from a patient presenting with anxiety and palpitations to uncover the systemic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

  1. 1
    Review Clinical Case
  2. 2
    Patient Encounter
  3. 3
    Self Evaluation(optional)
  4. 4
    Feedback

Review Clinical Case

1. Learning: Recognizing Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, speeds up the body's metabolism. It often presents with symptoms that can mimic a primary anxiety disorder, such as anxiety, irritability, and palpitations. The key to diagnosis is a thorough review of systems to find other clues that point to a systemic, metabolic cause.

Classic symptoms to screen for:

  • General: Unintentional weight loss despite increased appetite, heat intolerance, sweating.
  • Cardiovascular: Palpitations, racing heart (tachycardia).
  • Neurologic: Anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fine tremor.
  • GI: More frequent bowel movements or diarrhea.
  • Skin/Hair: Thinning hair, warm/moist skin.

2. Scenario Briefing

Your Objective

Your objective is to take a detailed history from Maria, a 30-year-old woman presenting with anxiety and palpitations. You must perform a comprehensive review of systems to differentiate a primary anxiety disorder from the systemic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Patient Background

Maria is a 30-year-old woman who comes to your primary care clinic because she's been feeling "anxious and on edge" for the past few months, and has been having episodes where her heart races.

Find a quiet spot with a good internet connection. Speak naturally — it’s fine to pause to think.