What it is:
Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder is characterized by a
prominent and persistent change in mood, exhibiting clear signs of depression or
a marked decrease in interest or pleasure in daily activities and hobbies, and these
symptoms start during or soon after a certain substance/medication has been
taken, or during withdrawal from the substance/medication. The individual’s
mental health history, as well as the nature of the substance/medication taken
must be taken into account, to ensure that the depressive symptoms cannot be
better explained by a different diagnosis.
The symptoms of the depressive disorder must also be severe enough to cause
impairment in the day to day functionality of the individual. Withdrawal times for
various substances from the body vary, and so the depressive symptoms may
continue for some time after the individual has ceased taking the
substance/medication.
Common symptoms:
1. Constantly feeling sad, hopeless or empty
2. Constantly feeling irritated or agitated
3. Excessive weight gain or loss during a short period of time
4. Sleeping too much or too little
5. Low energy levels or fatigue
6. Low self-esteem
7. Poor levels of concentration
8. Decreased sex drive
9. Increased thoughts of death and dying, including suicidal thoughts and
behavior
10. The above symptoms must all have manifested during or after a specific
substance/medication was taken or during withdrawal read more
