Effects, Treatment, and Insights into Mood Disorders Triggered by Substances
Substance-induced mental disorders are a common issue among individuals with substance misuse disorders. These disorders are caused by the physiological effects of substances, certain medications, heavy metals, or toxins, and can lead to significant impairments in functioning or distress.
The range of symptoms for substance-induced mental disorders can vary widely, depending on the substance involved and individual factors. Common symptoms include mood instability, anxiety-related signs, and psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.
For instance, substance-induced anxiety disorder, a type of mood-related disorder triggered by substance use, can present symptoms like feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and trouble concentrating. On the other hand, drug-induced psychosis, a more severe form of substance-induced mental disorder, may manifest through symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, disorganized thinking, and extreme mood swings.
People with substance-induced depressive disorders may experience feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, problems sleeping, reduced energy, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts. In some cases, they may benefit from taking antidepressants during withdrawal from the causative medication.
Those with substance-induced mania may benefit from taking second-generation antipsychotic medications for a short time, such as olanzapine or quetiapine.
It is essential to note that symptoms of substance-induced mental disorders must not have developed before substance or medication use or exposure, and they must cause significant impairments or distress. Furthermore, they must not only occur during active delirium from a substance or medication.
In most cases, the treatment for substance-induced mental disorders involves stopping use, misuse, or exposure to substances or medications causing the disorder. People with substance-induced mental disorders may also benefit from psychotherapy or familial support to help them stop using, or abstain from, the substances or medications causing the disorder.
A doctor must first determine that a person is using, or being exposed to, a substance or medication that can cause a substance-induced mental disorder. This may require observation or evaluation after the individual has stopped taking, using, or being exposed to the substance believed to be causing the disorder.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists several conditions that fall under the umbrella term of substance-induced mental disorders, including substance- or medication-induced depressive disorder, substance- or medication-induced psychotic disorder, substance- or medication-induced bipolar or related disorder, substance- or medication-induced anxiety disorder, and substance- or medication-induced obsessive-compulsive or related disorder.
It is crucial to remember that these disorders can mimic other mental conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a substance-induced mental disorder, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional.
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder, a type of mood-related disorder, can be triggered by substance use and lead to symptoms such as feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and trouble concentrating.
- Drug-induced psychosis, a severe form of substance-induced mental disorder, may manifest as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, disorganized thinking, and extreme mood swings.
- People with substance-induced depressive disorders may experience feelings of sadness, guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, problems sleeping, reduced energy, appetite changes, and suicidal thoughts.
- For those with substance-induced mania, second-generation antipsychotic medications like olanzapine or quetiapine may provide temporary relief for a short time.
- It's essential to determine that a person is using or being exposed to a substance causing a substance-induced mental disorder, which may require observation or evaluation after the individual stops taking, using, or being exposed to the suspected substance.
- Substance-induced mental disorders can mimic other mental conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, making it vital to seek help from a healthcare professional if experiencing related symptoms.
