Home ] Poems ] Personal Stories ] Short Articles ] Links ]

 

Amphetamine Dependence 
American Description 


Diagnostic Criteria
Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) abuse: A destructive pattern of amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use, leading to significant social, occupational, or medical impairment. 
Must have three (or more) of the following, occurring when the amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use was at its worst: 
Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) tolerance: 
Either need for markedly increased amounts of amphetamine (or similar stimulant) to achieve intoxication, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of amphetamine (or similar stimulant). 
Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) withdrawal symptoms: 
Either (a) or (b). 
(a) Two (or more) of the following, developing within several hours to a few days of reduction in heavy or prolonged amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use: 
sweating or rapid pulse 
increased hand tremor 
insomnia 
nausea or vomiting 
physical agitation 
anxiety 
transient visual, tactile, or auditory hallucinations or illusions 
grand mal seizures 
(b) Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. 
Greater use of amphetamine (or similar stimulant) than intended: 
Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) was often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended 
Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use: 
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use 
Great deal of time spent in using amphetamine (or similar stimulant), or recovering from hangovers 
Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) caused reduction in social, occupational or recreational activities: 
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use. 
Continued using amphetamine (or similar stimulant) despite knowing it caused significant problems: 
Amphetamine (or similar stimulant) use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been worsened by amphetamine (or similar stimulant) 

Associated Features
Learning Problem 
Psychotic 
Euphoric Mood 
Depressed Mood 
Somatic/Sexual Dysfunction 
Hyperactivity 
Addiction 
Odd/Eccentric/Suspicious Personality 
Dramatic/Erratic/Antisocial Personality 

Differential Diagnosis
Nonpathologic stimulant use for recreational or medical purposes; repeated episodes of Amphetamine Intoxication. 

Internet Mental Health (www.mentalhealth.com) copyright © 1995-2000 by Phillip W. Long, M.D. 

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

 

Designed by

Angelblues
 

Although BipolarConnection Network strives for the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted, BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the material presented in.  The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties, expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.

The contents of BipolarConnection Network are for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician or psychotherapist..

Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.