A substance induced depression or mood disorder is created by the use of a substance, usually a psychoactive drug or similar chemical substance that affects the mood of the user. Sometimes, the mood disorder occurs when the person is either intoxicated or is withdrawing from the drug. Also, a person may already have a mood disorder prior to using alcohol or drugs and the substance abuse eventually worsens the depression. In these instances, it is often difficult to determine the origin of the disorder.
What are the signs of substance induced depression?
Generally speaking, a substance induced depression will generally present with the classic symptoms of depression, such as feelings of worthlessness, low energy, pessimism, irritability, and appetite or sleep disturbance. Severe episodes can involve suicidal thoughts or preoccupations with death. A depressed state of mind which can also include occasional signs of mania or hyperactive activity as well. Substance induced depression is also related to the chemicals that help regulate the mood of the individual. This also means that the symptoms can vary quite a bit. In essence, some individuals may appear depressed while others are manic and even more may fall in-between.
How common is it?
Essentially, around half of the people who have some type of substance abuse issues will also have a comorbid depression, but it is not clear how many of these are true cases of substance induced depression. However, the co-occurrence of depression and substance abuse is most commonly found in adults ranging in age from 18 to 25 and more in males than female. Furthermore, people that live in urban areas are more likely to have substance induced depression than those that live in rural areas.
What are the most frequent substances that cause substance induced depression?
Alcohol is perhaps the most common form of substance induced depression. While some have argued that people have used alcohol to escape a depression that is brought on by other issues, others conclude that the alcohol abuse itself brought on the symptoms of depression. Ultimately, which came first is less important than insuring that both the substance abuse disorder and the mood disorder get treated.
Frequent or problematic cannabis use and depression have also been reported. There is also an association between earlier one uses marijuana on a regular basis and later depression. Frequent marijuana use increases depressive symptoms among some users.
Valium and Librium and other benzodiazepines have effects on the brain very similar to alcohol and can cause depression as well. In fact, major symptoms of depression may also be caused when a person is weaning themselves off of benzodiazepines. Also, stimulants such as amphetamines, cocaine and methamphetamines can also cause manic, mixed and depression as well. As you can see, a host of substances can cause mood disorders, such as major depression.
Substance induced depression is a common form of mood alteration that can be treated. Fortunately, there is now an Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of severe depression and substance abuse. Our programs provide services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting. If you or a loved one is showing signs of depression and substance abuse, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery. Treatment for depression and alcohol or drug abuse can be highly successful. Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.
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