신경증적 불안과 갑상선 항진증의 현상학적 연구

A Phenomenological Study between Neurotic Anxiety and Hyperthyroidism

To search for distinguishing symptoms which are useful for differential diagnosis between neurotic anxiety and hyperthyroidism, authors made a questionnaire composed of 17 items designed to differentiate neurotic anxiety from hyperthyroidism. The questionnaire was applied to 31 neurotic anxiety patients and 59 hyperthyroidisms. Using SPSS/PC + based on the score of 17 items, discriminant function analysis was carry out. The result are summerized as follows. 1) “Nervousness”, “increased appetite”, “frequent defecation”, “muscle tension”, “dyspnea”, “palpitation” and “pain on extrem ities” were classified into the symptoms of acute hyperthyroidisms, and “trem ble”, “fatigability” and “nausea” were classified into the symptoms of neurotic patients. 2) “Insomnia”, “frequent defecation”, “cold sense on extrem itiesuscle” and “difficulty in urination” were classified into the symptoms of improved hyperthyroidisms, and “trem ble”, “faintness”，“indigetion” and “work regardless fatigue” were classified into the symptoms of neurotic patients. 3) “Insomnia”, “frequent defecation”，“cold sense on extrem itiesuscle”, “fatigability”, “dyspnea” and “palpitation” were classified into the symptoms of total hyperthyroidisms, and “faintness”, “indigetion”, “work regardless fatigue” and “chest tightness” were classified into the symptoms of neurotic patients. 4) “Cold sense on extrem ities” was more distinguishing symptom of improved hyperthyroidisms compare to acute hyperthyroidisms. 5) The accuracy rate of discrimination of hyperthyroidisms and neurotic patients was over 80%. We concluded that our questionaire could be applied easily for the differential diagnosis between neurotic anxiety and hyperthyroidism, and it is more effective to access the diagnosis based on the distinguishing symptoms of hyperthyroism.