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

Sedative Dependence  American Description 

Diagnostic Criteria
Sedative abuse: A destructive pattern of sedative use, leading to significant social, occupational, or medical impairment. 
Must have three (or more) of the following, occurring when the sedative use was at its worst: 
Sedative tolerance: 
Either need for markedly increased amounts of sedative to achieve intoxication, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of sedative. 
Sedative 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 sedative 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) Sedative is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. 
Greater use of sedative than intended: 
Sedative was often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended 
Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative use: 
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control sedative use 
Great deal of time spent in using sedative, or recovering from hangovers 
Sedative caused reduction in social, occupational or recreational activities: 
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of sedative use. 
Continued using sedative despite knowing it caused significant problems: 
Sedative use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been worsened by sedative 

Associated Features
Learning Problem 
Dysarthria/Involuntary Movement 
Depressed Mood 
Somatic/Sexual Dysfunction 
Addiction 
Sexually Deviant Behavior 
Dramatic/Erratic/Antisocial Personality 

Differential Diagnosis
Nonpathologic sedative use for recreational or medical purposes; repeated episodes of Sedative Intoxication. 

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

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

Designed by

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.