Thromboneurosis refers to excessive anxiety about developing a recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In some patients it may be a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Clinical features:
(1) The patient often has a history of a deep vein thrombosis. Less often the patient may have had contact with someone who had a deep vein thrombosis.
(2) The thrombosis was associated with a serious outcome.
(3) The patient is afraid of developing a deep vein thrombosis.
(4) Fear may be triggered by discontinuation of anticoagulant prophylaxis or onset of symptoms mimicking thrombosis (leg discomfort, etc).
(5) The person may take steps to avoid a deep vein thrombosis even when unnecessary.
The patient may misinterpret post-thrombotic symptoms as evidence of a recurrent thrombus, triggering heightened anxiety.
The condition may be associated with overdiagnosis and inappropriate long-term anticoagulation.
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