Diagnosis of Substance-Induced Disorders

A diagnosis is made via a medical professional’s evaluation.

Substance-induced mental disorders are mental changes produced by substance use or withdrawal that resemble independent mental disorders such as depression, psychosis, or anxiety.

For a mental disorder to be considered substance induced, the substance involved must be known to be capable of causing the disorder. Substances can be members of the 10 classes of drug that typically cause substance-related disorders:

1. Alcohol.
2. Anti-anxiety and sedative drugs.
3. Caffeine.
4. Cannabis (including marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids).
5. Hallucinogens (including LSD, phencyclidine, and psilocybin).
6. Inhalants (such as paint thinner and certain glues).
7. Opioids (including fentanyl, morphine, and oxycodone).
8. Stimulants (including amphetamines and cocaine).
9. Tobacco.
10. Other (including anabolic steroids and other commonly abused substances).

However, many other substances can cause mental disorders. Common examples include anticholinergic drugs and corticosteroids, which may cause temporary symptoms of psychosis.

In addition, the mental disorder should

• Appear within one (1) month of intoxication with or withdrawal from the substance.
• Cause significant distress or impair functioning.
• Not have been present before use of the substance.
• Not occur only during acute delirium caused by the substance.
• Not last for a substantial period of time (Certain disorders of thinking caused by alcohol, inhalants, or sedatives/hypnotics, and perceptual disorders caused by hallucinogens may be long lasting).