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Last updated: June 6, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • A) Anabolic steroid abuse: The patient's physical examination findings, such as hypertrophied musculature, atrophied testes, and needle marks over the gluteus muscles, are highly suggestive of anabolic steroid abuse. Additionally, the patient's behavioral changes, including euphoria, irritability, and reckless spending, are consistent with the psychiatric effects of anabolic steroid use.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • C) Cocaine use: The patient's symptoms, such as euphoria, irritability, and decreased need for sleep, could also be consistent with cocaine use. However, the physical examination findings are more suggestive of anabolic steroid abuse.
    • B) Bipolar disorder: The patient's behavioral changes, including decreased need for sleep and reckless spending, could be consistent with a manic episode. However, the absence of a prior history of psychiatric illness and the presence of physical examination findings suggestive of anabolic steroid abuse make this diagnosis less likely.
  • Do Not Miss diagnoses
    • F) Pituitary tumor: Although rare, a pituitary tumor could cause hormonal imbalances leading to behavioral changes and physical examination findings such as hypertrophied musculature. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
    • O) Other substance abuse (e.g., amphetamines, methamphetamine): The patient's symptoms could also be consistent with the use of other stimulant substances. It is crucial to consider these diagnoses to provide appropriate treatment and avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • E) Pathologic Internet use: While the patient's excessive Internet use could be a contributing factor to his behavioral changes, it is unlikely to be the primary cause of his symptoms.
    • D) Oxycodone abuse: The patient's symptoms are not typical of opioid abuse, and there is no mention of opioid-related physical examination findings or behaviors.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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