Do I Have Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar And Related Disorder?

Do you experience a prominent and persistent disturbance in mood that is characterized by elevated, expansive or irritable mood, with or without depressed mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in (almost) all activities?

Is there evidence from history, physical examination or laboratory findings that the symptoms in question 1 developed during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal or after exposure to a medication?

Is there evidence from history, physical examination or laboratory findings that the involved substance/medication is capable of producing the symptoms in question 1?

Is the disturbance not better explained by a bipolar or related disorder that is not substance/medication-induced?

Can you confirm that the disturbance does not occur exclusively during a delirium?

Does the disturbance cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. The disorder occurs when symptoms related to mood disturbance arise during or soon after taking a substance or stopping to use a substance that may produce bipolar symptoms. Symptoms mat include depressed, elevated or irritable mood. It may be useful to seek medical attention to find out if your mood disturbance is indeed caused by a substance or medication.

While it is unlikely that you have substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. It may be wise to seek medical support. Your doctor will conduct blood or urine tests to determine the substance involved. He may also review your mental health history and the type of substance taken. If you display (hypo)mania or major depressive symptoms during, soon after use of the substance or when stopping to use a substance, then the doctor may conclude that you meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. Such diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. Therefore, it is important to schedule a medical appointment.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have substance/medication-induced bipolar and related disorder. It is of high importance to seek medical attention immediately. There are several substances or medications that can cause this disorder, including amphetamines, alcohol, phencyclidine and hallucinogens. Usually treatment consists of eliminating the substance from your body. If your symptoms don’t disappear, your doctor may prescribe an atypical anti-psychotic (Olanzapine) or benzodiazepines.