Psychiatric mimics of allergic airways disease

Some psychiatric disorders produce respiratory symptoms that can mimic allergic airways disease. Panic disorder, hyperventilation, somatization disorder, psychogenic upper airway obstruction and psychogenic cough are included in this group. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions and other social, familial, psychologic, and psychiatric aspects of asthma. An approach to patients with symptoms and health care utilization out of proportion to objective findings is included.