Mood Disorder Caused By Drugs and Alcohol

MOOD DISORDER CAUSED BY DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

SUBSTANCE-INDUCED MOOD DISORDER

Topics in Mental Health

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Substance-Induced Mood Disorder?

Mood disorders include very high moods (mania) and very low moods (depression). Manic states are characterized by poor judgment, irritability, unusual feelings of energy and power and unusual tolerance for very little sleep. Depressed moods are characterized by feelings of emptiness, loss of pleasure, too much or too little eating or sleeping, agitation or slow movements, lack of motivation, feelings of inadequacy, feelings of intense sadness and wishes for death,

Substance use is a very common cause of mood disorders. Intoxication with certain drugs can precipitate manic symptoms, and depression is particularly likely to be caused by withdrawal from cocaine, amphetamines (used in the treatment of ADHD or diet control), alcohol or barbiturates (sleep medications). Teenagers may show symptoms of mood disorders that are being caused by their use of prescription or recreational substances.

Symptoms of Substance-Induced Mood Disorder (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order for a person to be diagnosed with Substance-Induced Mood Disorder the person must meet the following symptoms:

•    The person displays clear symptoms of a mood disorder that persists and is characterized by either or both of these:
    Mood that is elevated, irritable, expansive, or
    Depressed mood or notably decreased interest or pleasure in nearly all activities.
•    History, physical exam, or laboratory data substantiate that either:
    These symptoms have developed within a month of Substance Intoxication or Withdrawal, or
    The symptoms have been caused by the use of medication.
•    These symptoms cause significant distress or impair work, social, or personal functioning.
•    The disorder does not only during occur during a delirium.
•    The symptoms are not better explained by a non-substance-induced mood disorder (a pre-existing manic or depressed state).

Treatment for Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

Discontinuing the offending substance is the first step in treating Substance-Induced Mood Disorder. Those on prescriptions drugs need to talk to their doctor. Those on recreational drugs need to discontinue use and if necessary, receive appropriate addiction counseling. The treatment for the substance-induced mood disorder is generally the same as the treatment for any mood disorder. Psychological and/or psychiatric counseling should be accessed if symptoms do not completely resolve upon removal of the substance or if discontinuing the substance cannot occur immediately or if symptoms are severe.