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.
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