What Is a Substance Induced Mood Disorder?

A substance induced mood disorder is a mental health condition impacting mood that stems from the physiological effects of substances, medications, toxins, or even heavy metals. If the substance or drug has a negative side effect, it may cause drug-induced depression or substance induced mania.

Those who are more likely to develop a substance induced disorder are those who misuse alcohol, cocaine, opioids, or other mind-altering substances. Commonly, mood disorders and alcohol use co-occur frequently.¹

How Soon After Taking the Drug Can Depression Be Induced?

In some cases, drug-induced depression can occur almost immediately. In the DSM-5, there is even a category labeled “with onset of intoxication,” meaning that the mood symptoms start while the individual is intoxicated. Though typically, drug-induced depression symptoms often occur as a symptom of withdrawal and can worsen during the detox process.

Symptoms of Substance Induced Mood Disorder

Substance induced mood disorder symptoms mimic other mental health disorders, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or even schizophrenia.²

Symptoms of substance or medication-induced depressive disorder may include:

Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or feeling empty
Persistently feeling irritated or agitated
Too much weight gain or loss within a short period of time
Sleeping too little or too much
Low levels of energy or fatigue
Poor self-esteem
Difficulty concentrating
Increased thoughts of death and dying and suicidal tendency

Symptoms of Substance Induced Mania

Symptoms of substance induced mania may include:

Extreme energy
Reduced need to sleep
Racing thoughts
Rapid or pressured speech
Impulsive decision making
Being easily distracted or having unusual irritability
An increase in reckless behaviors, such as overspending or unprotected sex

Causes of a Substance Induced Mood Disorder

The chemicals in the brain are responsible for how we experience emotions. When there is an imbalance in those chemicals, that can cause problems with how we think, feel, and act. Many substances and medications work by changing the chemicals in the brain and, therefore, have the potential to cause other problems.

Substance Risk Factors

Some medications and substances or chemicals that have the potential to cause substance induced mood disorder symptoms include:³

Alcohol and other mind-altering drugs such as cocaine, LSD, or methamphetamine
Prescription medications such as those used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, pain, anxiety, etc.
Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or arsenic
Exposure to toxins such as gasoline, paint thinners, or pesticides

For example, the overuse of alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of alcohol-induced depressive disorder. This is due to the fact that alcohol is a depressant.⁴

Diagnosing Substance Induced Mood Disorder

To receive a diagnosis of substance induced mood disorder, an individual must meet several criteria according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version 5 (DSM-5), which is the standard classification system for mental health disorders.

Diagnostic Criteria

According to the DSM-5, an individual would meet the criteria for a diagnosis of a substance induced mental disorder if they are experiencing: ⁵

A persistent disturbance in mood that causes significant impairment in their life.
There is evidence that the symptoms developed during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication.
The substance can produce the symptoms.
The symptoms are not better explained by a depressive disorder or other mental health condition.
There is no previous history of another depressive disorder or mental health disorder that preceded the onset of the substance or medication use.
The symptoms do not persist for one month or longer after the cessation of withdrawal or intoxication.

Is a Substance Induced Mood Disorder Like Other Co-Occurring Conditions?

A substance induced mental disorder may be different from other co-occurring conditions in that its cause is related to a substance(s) or medication(s) and typically resolves within a period of less than a month after stopping the use of the substance or medication.

Risk Factors For a Substance Induced Mood Disorder

Some risk factors for a substance induced mental health disorder include the misuse of alcohol or mind-altering substances, some prescription medications, or exposure to toxins or heavy metals. Any prolonged use of a substance that alters brain chemicals can increase the risk of developing a substance induced depressive disorder or other substance induced mood disorder.

For example, prolonged use of amphetamines can increase the risk of developing an amphetamine-induced depressive disorder, especially when suddenly stopping the medication.

How is Substance Induced Mood Disorder Treated?

It is important to determine if a substance or medication is causing a substance induced disorder, especially if the medication is prescribed. Therefore, you should first consult your doctor or a medical professional if you believe you are experiencing medication-induced depression or other substance induced disorders.

Once you determine the cause of the symptoms, the most common substance induced mood disorder treatment is to stop using the substance causing the issues. However, there may be some instances where therapy or medication is suggested. For example, a substance induced anxiety disorder treatment may require medication or talk therapy to alleviate the anxiety symptoms until they are resolved. Some other substance induced anxiety disorder treatment options can include self-management strategies such as relaxation, deep breathing, and yoga.

Substance Induced Psychosis

For substance induced psychosis, treatment may include acute hospitalization due to the severity of the symptoms. At times, when there is a substance or medication-induced depressive disorder, the use of antidepressants may be used during the withdrawal period.

Drug-induced bipolar disorder may also benefit from mood stabilizers such as olanzapine. The treatment for substance induced mood disorder symptoms depends on the type and amount of the substance used.

Benefits of Substance Induced Mood Disorder Treatment

Some of the benefits of receiving treatment for substance induced mood disorders will be detailed below.

Support

Especially if there are substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs involved, having support is important. This is because things like the overuse of alcohol and mood disorders have a high rate of occurring together. ⁶

Coping Skills

Treatment for a substance induced depressive disorder or other mental health condition can help learn and implement healthy coping skills.

Safe Environment

Receiving treatment can help provide a safe environment, especially if severe withdrawal symptoms or psychotic symptoms are involved.

Improve Overall Health

Treatment can provide an improvement in overall health by helping to eliminate substances that are causing issues.

Heal Your Substance Induced Mood Disorder at Pacific Beach Health

If you believe you or someone you love is suffering from a substance induced depressive disorder or other type of substance induced disorder, the trained professionals at Pacific Beach Health can help. For more information about diagnosis and treatment options, contact Pacific Beach Health at 858.295.8694 or https://pacificbeachhealth.com/contact-us/

What Is Substance

Induced Mood Disorder?

What is substance induced mood disorder? Read on to learn more about substance induced mood disorders and treatment options at Pacific Beach Health.