substance-induced mood disorder
Mood symptoms that develop during or soon after substance intoxication, withdrawal, or medication use, and are directly attributable to the physiological effects of the substance.
Full Definition
Substance-induced mood disorder is a diagnostic category used when mood symptoms such as depression, mania, or mixed states are determined to be the direct physiological consequence of substance use, intoxication, withdrawal, or medication effects. Unlike primary mood disorders, these symptoms must have temporal relationship to substance use and not be better explained by an independent mood disorder. The diagnosis requires careful assessment to distinguish between substance-induced symptoms and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. This distinction is crucial in addiction medicine as it influences treatment planning, medication decisions, and prognosis, with substance-induced symptoms often improving with sustained abstinence.
Usage
Usage note: Requires clear temporal relationship between substance use and mood symptoms; distinct from co-occurring disorders.
In Context
- "The psychiatrist diagnosed substance-induced mood disorder rather than major depression, given the temporal relationship to cocaine use." — Diagnostic assessment
- "Substance-induced mood disorder symptoms typically improve within weeks of sustained abstinence." — Treatment planning documentation