Substance Induced Mood Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

What is a substance induced mood disorder? Read on to learn more about substance induced mood disorders and available treatment options.

Table of Contents

What Is A Substance Induced Mood Disorder?

Substance induced mood disorder changes how you think, feel, or act caused by taking or stopping a drug. Legal and illicit drugs can make you depressed, give you too much energy, or make it difficult to control your behavior. This could lead to substance induced mania.1

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How Soon After Taking The Drug Can Depression Be Induced?

Sometimes, almost right away. The term “with onset during intoxication” refers to the fact that the depressive episode starts when the person is high on the drug. It may also happen during withdrawal when symptoms of depression are frequent.

Which Substance Can Cause Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder?

The following psychoactive substances can bring on substance or medication-induced depression disorder:2
  • Amphetamines: they are stimulant drugs, and excessive use can lead to amphetamine-induced depressive disorder
  • Opioids: too much intake can cause drug induced mood disorders and substance induced mental disorders.
  • Inhalants: contain psychoactive (mind-altering) properties when inhaled and can lead to substance induced depressive disorder
  • Cocaine: a powerfully addictive stimulant drug that can result in drug induced mood disorder.
  • Hallucinogens: alter a person's awareness of their surroundings, as well as their thoughts and feelings. They can cause drug-induced bipolar.
  • Alcohol: eventually, excessive intake of alcohol causes alcohol induced depressive disorder.
  • Sedatives: abuse of sedatives can result in substance induced depression.

Symptoms Of Substance Induced Mood Disorder

Due to the symptoms’ similarities to other mental health conditions, substance abuse depression may go undiagnosed. Substance induced mood disorder symptoms are as follows:

  • Feelings of isolation and loneliness
  • Constant weeping or crying for no apparent reason
  • Radical change in behavior
  • Complete loss of motivation, ongoing fatigue
  • Hypersomnia or insomnia

Causes Of A Substance Induced Mood Disorder

The chemical imbalance brought on by substance abuse can occasionally cause a severe substance induced mental disorder or drug-induced bipolar. It is well known that drugs and alcohol may affect the chemical makeup and activity of the brain. Alcohol and mood disorders go together. However, because every person is unique, it can be challenging to predict which substances will most likely result in a severe mental health disorder. Below are some of the causes of substance induced mood disorder:
  • A traumatic brain injury or stroke
  • A family or personal history of schizophrenia, mood disorders, or psychotic disorders
  • Side effects of certain prescription medications can cause medication induced depression.
  • Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease
  • Brain tumors, lesions, or cysts
  • Genetic abnormalities

Diagnosing Substance Induced Mood Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 specifies the number of requirements for substance use disorders diagnosis. Blood tests are also crucial to rule out alternative causes of depressive symptoms, performing a thorough physical examination and laboratory.

Diagnostic Criteria

Substance use disorder criteria to be met when running diagnosis are:
  • Persistent, noticeable, and noteworthy mood disturbance starts after cutting back on substance use.
  • Withdrawal from a substance capable of causing depressive symptoms continues after the initial withdrawal period.
  • The lack of proof that the depressive episode is unrelated to diagnosis of substance induced mood disorder or that it started before taking medication.
Professionals in mental health may request a complete psychiatric history of immediate family members.

Is A Substance Induced Mood Disorder Like Other Co-occurring Conditions?

People with substance use disorders diagnosis are at particular risk for developing one or more primary conditions or chronic diseases. The coexistence of a mental illness and a substance use disorder, known as a co-occurring disorder, is common among people undergoing medication-assisted treatment (MAT).3

Risk Factors For Substance Induced Mood Disorders

Several factors increase the risk of developing substance induced disorders. They include:
  • Adolescence
  • Certain medical conditions include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or chronic pain.
  • Certain medication
  • Family history of substance induced disorder
  • Isolation from other people
  • Personal history of sleep disorder
  • Recent traumatic life event

Treatment for Substance Induced Mood Disorder

Drug-induced psychosis treatment is another viable way to stop addiction. Various substance induced disorder treatment opportunities will be detailed below.

Psychiatric Treatment

Psychiatric treatment deals with symptoms of a substance induced disorder. Therapy and medication alleviate the most severe symptoms so individuals can focus on long-term recovery.

Neurobiological Integration Program

NBI programs calm the body and the mind through a comprehensive stress response strategy. Additionally, this program helps patients develop emotional resilience by regulating their responses to stressful situations.4

Holistic Addiction Therapies

Through diet, yoga, and physical activity, these therapies assist the patient in controlling their nervous system. In addition, clinical therapists work with patients throughout sessions to help them reestablish self-care routines.

Life Skills Training

Neglecting daily obligations is common when dealing with the crippling symptoms of a mood disorder and alcohol problem. However, skills that support creating a proper daily routine can be learned or relearned through life skills training programs. With these abilities, you can resume your duties while concentrating on your recovery.
Additionally, to avoid relapsing into old patterns, staying away from situations and people that will trigger you is advisable. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also paramount in achieving a perfect recovery. The support of families and friends is also crucial in the recovery process.

Benefits Of Substance Induced Mood Disorder Treatment

Some of the benefits of adhering to a proper substance induced disorder treatment are as follows:
  • Support: our Profound Treatment team is readily available to support you at every step in your recovery journey.
  • Coping skills: learning to stay sober when times are difficult is a necessary component to treat substance induced disorders. You will be equipped with healthy coping skills to properly handle life's demands.
  • A safe environment: you can learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle in our safe, judgment-free environment. We want you to feel comfortable sharing openly and honestly in therapy sessions.
  • Improved overall health: mental illness also physically impacts a person. Your mental health will get better as your treatment goes on. Strengthening physical strength is also possible with improved mental health.
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Get Help To Heal Your Substance Induced Mood Disorder At Profound Treatment

Seeking help for substance induced mood disorder may seem scary, but reputable treatment centers can provide support. Reach out to us at Profound Treatment to discuss treatment options and enjoy tailored care.