Do I Have Substance/Medication-Induced Major Or Mild Neurocognitive Disorder?

Do you meet the criteria for major or mild neurocognitive disorder? There must be changes that impact cognitive functioning. Symptoms can be observed by yourself, a relative or detected through objective testing.

Can you confirm that the neurocognitive impairments do not occur exclusively during the course of a delirium and persist beyond the usual duration of intoxication and acute withdrawal?

Are the involved substance or medication and duration and extent of use capable of producing the neurocognitive impairment?

Is the temporal course of the neurocognitive deficits consistent with the timing of substance or medication use and abstinence (e.g., the deficits remain stable or improve after a period of abstinence)?

Can you confirm that the neurocognitive disorder is not attributable to another medical condition or is not better explained by another mental disorder?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. People who have the mild type experience minor difficulties with mental functioning. In case of a major neurocognitive disorder, there can be a huge impact on someone’s daily functioning. Usually family or friends are the first to notice problems with, for example remembering important things, planning and paying attention, because they are the ones who give the person additional support in their daily activities. In case you would like to receive more information about the disorder, your doctor will be glad to help you out.

While it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be important to seek medical support. When cognitive problems are due to a substance of medication use, mental abilities at a higher level of functioning will decline. Examples are difficulties with concentrating, planning, learning new skills, communication and perceptual-motor skills. Your doctor will make sure to check that the cognitive problems were not present before the substance or medication use. However, if they were present, you may be suffering from another type of neurocognitive disorder.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder. Seeking medical attention is essential in your case. The neurocognitive problems that result from substance or medication use can be very upsetting and can cause not only problems for you, but also for the people around you. However, if you stop using the substance or medication under professional supervision, there is a great chance that you will fully recover. If you think you or someone you care about is suffering from substance/medication-induced major or mild neurocognitive disorder, it’s important to seek help from a professional.