Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
7433789 
Journal Article 
Substance/Medication-Induced Mood Disorders and Co-occuring Mood and Substance Use Disorders: Evaluation and Management in Emergency Department and Psychiatric Emergency Service Settings 
Givon, L; , 
2019 
95-110 
Many substances, illicit or legal, as well as prescribed and over-the-counter medications, have been associated with transient or sustained symptoms of mood disorder due to acute intoxication or withdrawal. Mood disorders are also frequently comorbid with substance use disorders. These disorders are costly to society due to lives lost to suicide and accidents, associated psychiatric and medical illnesses, decreased productivity, and healthcare utilization. While substance-induced mood disorders and co-occurring mood and substance use are prevalent in emergency department settings and in primary care and mental health clinics, few controlled studies have been published. Management of those patients who present to emergency departments in crisis entails medical stabilization, thorough evaluation of the substance use, comprehensive and systematic risk assessment, and meticulous psychiatric evaluation for preexisting psychiatric conditions, newly emerging psychiatric symptoms in conjunction with substance use, as well as plans for appropriate disposition and follow-up. Since a substance-induced mood disorder may be a brief and short-lived clinical phenomenon, it may go unrecognized as such in emergency settings and be attributed solely to substance use or to a reported history of prior psychiatric conditions. Research on the epidemiology, validity, and reliability of this group of diagnoses, standardized clinical tools, and treatment modalities is needed, in order to provide evidence-based and consistent care to patients.