Substance-induced Mood Disorder

Substance-induced disorders are directly caused by the effects of ingesting a particular substance. These substances may include commonly used items such as alcohol, and prescription/over the counter medications, as well as illegal toxins (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009). Please note that for this diagnosis it isn't as important what substance is consumed as the effect it has on the individual (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009).This means that that consuming certain substances may or may not cause all consumers to begin feeling an effect. However if they do experience symptoms, the sympthoms can occur until the substance wears off or after the process of the substance wearing off (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009). For instance "alcohol, amphetamines(and related substances), caffeine, cannabis (marijuana), cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, phencyclidine (PCP) and related substances, and other or unknown substances" can cause anxiety during and after the usage.

Take Note: Remember the experianced sympthoms are not actually part of another disorder (such as generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorder , or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder) that is not substance induced. So, if the symptoms began prior to ingesting a particular substance then the individual probably is not suffering from "substance-induced" disorders (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009).

Diagnosis

Differentiating between substance abuse disorders and other mental illnesses has been proven difficult because many mental illnesses tend to co-occur to a very high degree (Siegel & Fischler, n.d.). For instance, the latest phase of the Epidemiological Catchment Area (ECA) Study (NIMH, 1991), suggest that 16.7% of U.S. citizens have been diagnosed with substance-induced disorders, but that at least half of these have had other contributing factors that end with a multiple diagnosis (Siegel & Fischler, n.d.)

So how does a professional distinguish which condition to treat? Well, first we must gather a variety of information. In other words we must know a clients clinical and family history (Siegel & Fischler, n.d.). To achieve a complete history the client needs to remain open and honest; which means providing a conplete self-report. If the client doesn't have all the information, then it may even be nessesacary to use collateral sources ( family, friends, co-workers, school records, employment records, and medical records) to fill in any gaps (Siegel & Fischler, n.d.).

After a complete history is collected, the evaluator may ask the client to under go a physical examination where in some cases it may be nessacary for the client to visit a laboratory for testing (Siegel & Fischler, n.d.). These tests will help identify the chemicals associated with the substance-induced disorderso so they may include: complete blood count (CBC), chemistry panels, along with serum and/or urine screens for drugs (Siegel & Fischler, n.d.).

Treatments

Once the history, physical examination, and/or laboratory tests are done, a diagnosis can be made. Once the diagnosis is made, then and only then can the client begin treatment; especially since such treatment for Substance-Induced Disorders usually includes medication that will reduce anxiety and/or depression (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009).

Of course, it would be irresponsible to believe that medication alone would ever end a problem like this since research shows that the sympthoms occur more commonly in individuals who abuse alcohol or other medications and illegal substances (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009). This means that the person will have to make changes in his or her life style, and Such changes are difficult to accomplish alone. So, the client should concider utilizing a variety of different support systems.

Different clients prefer different ways of gaining the support services that they need. Some enter into professional relationships with an out patient therapist, where the client can go and discuss his or her thoughts, feelings, emotions and enviornmental challenges several times a month. Others choose to utilize the more controlled atmosphere of a 24-hour in-treatment center, where clients are given a strict treatment plan which may include individual, and/or group activities along with access to other resources that make staying clean easier. Lastly, some clients are better served by peer innitiated 12-step groups such as Narcodics Annymous or Alcoholics Annymous. These groups allow clients to receive support, without the feeling that they are being judged by an authority figure.

Actually, I know from experience that 12-step programs have a variety of benefits besides providing mental health treatments. Many people enter the circle to assist with addictions, but what they find is a way to build friendships with others who have endured similar situations. Sometimes the connection becomes much greater, they even find that they have aquired a whole new "family".

Prognosis

Most symptoms induced by substance usually stop once the substance that is responsible for the condition is eliminated (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009). However, Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are less likely to disappear, even when the substance has been removed (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009). Therefore, it is important for clients to realize that relapse could happen, but that it is not the end. With a life long connection to support based services the individual can not only come back from a relapse, but also live a healthy fulfilled life.

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is little known about the prevention of substance-induced disorders. However, abstaining from mind alterning substances, and using required medications in moderation has been proven effective (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009). Of course, it is always good to have any medically needed drug supervised by an appropriately trained physician (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, 2009).

Conclusion

Just because we have covered the definition, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of Substance-Induced Disorders, does not mean that subject is complete. This is why we will conclude with a section about how this diagnosis affects others who come in contact with the individual who suffers from these disorders.

You see, I have been a supervision who has dealt with others who have substance related disorders. It is not uncommon for these individuals to have trouble maintaining employment because they tend to be late or absent to work, have problems communicating with associates, and cause safety issues to occur. When left undiagnosed or treated the individual becomes a risk to his or her company, which leads to a cut in hours or even the loss of the individual's job completely.

When the individual loses his or her job, they contribute even more to the variety of home-related issues that can be suffered. For instance, homes that have substance induced disorders tend to have higher financial difficulties, higher rates of child abuse, and distorted family relations (Curtis, 1999). They also contribute to the growing number of divorces, and absent parent homes. This may the family to endure a variety of other mental health issues (Curtis, 1999).

Sadly, the client, the employer, and family are not the only ones who suffer (Curtis, 1999). The individual's community suffers as well. For instance, substance abusers drive cars, which place not only the offender but also other individuals at risk of being hurt. In return, severe cases cause economic hardship (Curtis, 1999) because society is responsible for providing services to the less fortunate. An example of such services include Aid to families with Dependant children who care for the financial needs of anyone who can not fund his or her own food bills, housing costs, medical care, and necessities. Of course, if you have this disorder and cannot keep a job, you will be more likely to need such services (Curtis, 1999). This is not even including the victims of these individuals who suffer injury and are forced to reap the consequences brought on by someone who suffers from substance abuse. (Curtis, 1999). But then, these people are often silent victims and the original client may never know how they effect his or her environment if the disorder does not get treatment in the first place (Curtis, 1999).

Resources:

Curtis, O. (1999) Chemical Dependency; A Family affair. Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.

Pacific Grove, CA.

Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders (2009) Substance-induced anxiety disorder. Retrieved July 30,

2009 from the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders website:

http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Substance-induced-anxiety-disorder.html

National Library of Medicine (n.d) 9 Substance-Induced Disorders.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/bv.fcgi?rid=hstat5.section.75165

Siegel, W.Ph.D., L.P.& Fischler,G & Associates PA. (n.d.) retrieved from the Gary L. Fischler &

Associates psych eval website:

http://www.psycheval.com/substance%20_use_disorders.shtml