7. Substance-related or Addictive disorders Flashcards
An estimated __% of the population struggles with substance-related problems.
10%
There is a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in substance users (up to __% ), and vice versa.
50%
DSM-5 identifies 10 different classes of drugs. Name them
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics
- Stimulants
- Tobacco
- Other (or unknown) substances
Describe the pathophysiology of substance-related problems (5)
- The central psychophysiology is the direct activation of the brain reward circuitry, when any drug is taken in excess.
- Neurotransmitters with major roles in the brain reward system include opioid, dopamine, and GABA.
- Neuroimaging studies reveal the roles of these neurotransmitters in the mesolimbic, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamo-orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate, and frontal cortex regions in maintaining the hedonic effects, cravings, and disinhibited behaviors of addicting drugs.
- These pathways lead to reduced self-control, reinforcement of maladaptive behaviours, and neglect of normal daily activities.
- Genetic factors are strongly linked to alcohol use disorders, but not for other substances.
Name causal factors and DDx associated with substance use (15)
- Behavioral addictions
- Adverse childhood and traumatic experiences
- Genetic factors
- Co-morbid illness
- Psychosocial stressors
- Concurrent substance use
- Psychotic disorders
- Bipolar disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Sleep disorders
- Sexual dysfunctions
- Delirium
- Neurocognitive disorders
Describe HX: Substance-related or Addictive disorders (15)
- Ensure personal safety during the interview, as patients with substance intoxication may be erratic, impulsive, and aggressive
- Collateral information gathered from family, caregivers, health care providers, ambulance, or police reports may be needed to corroborate information.
- Perform a structured interview, paying particular attention to drugs of choice and describing for each:
- Name of the specific drugs
- age of first use
- current usage
- modes of administration
- effects obtained from the substances
- duration of effects
- symptoms of intoxication
- symptoms of withdrawal
- use of concurrent substances
- and functional impairments
- Screen for psychiatric symptoms to assess comorbidities and differential diagnoses
- Ask about forensic history
Describe general observation and physical exam: Substance-related or Addictive disorders (5)
- Initial medical evaluation is critical.
- Obtain vital signs and assess level of consciousness
- Examine neurologic status, pupils, stigmata of drug or alcohol use, track marks, and other physical signs of substance intoxication and withdrawal
- Perform mental status exam, for instance:
- Appearance may be emaciated, dishevelled, unkempt, malodorous, poor hygiene.
- Speech may range from slow with increased latency in response, to pressured and rambling, to slurred and incomprehensible.
- Affect may be limited in range, or expansive and labile.
- Thought form may be incoherent, derailed, blocked.
- Perception may be disrupted by internal stimuli, paranoia, or delusions.
- Insight and judgment may be impaired.
- Assess for signs and symptoms of toxidromes
Name: Common toxidromes (6)
- Anticholinergic toxidrome
- Cholinergic toxidrome
- Opioid and sedative- hypnotic toxidromes
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Serotonin syndrome
- Sympathomimetic toxidrome
Name Associated/Causative Substances: Anticholinergic toxidrome (6)
- Antihistamines
- Antiparkinson
- Antipsychotics
- Benztropine
- Carbamazepine
- Tricyclic antidepressants
Name sx (6) and signs (7): Anticholinergic toxidrome (6)
- Sx:
- Agitation
- Delirium
- Hallucination
- Memory loss
- Urinary retention
- Visual disturbance
- Signs:
- Hypertension
- Hyperthermia
- Tachycardia
- Flushing
- Mydriasis
- Decreased bowel sounds
- Seizures
Blind as a bat, dry as a bone, hot as a hare, red as a beet, mad as a hatter
Name Associated/Causative Substances: Cholinergic toxidrome (3)
- Anticholinesterase inhibitors
- Insecticides
- Nerve gases
Name sx (5) and signs (6): Cholinergic toxidrome (5)
- Sx:
- Confusion
- Lacrimation/salivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination
- Signs:
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Hypothermia
- Diaphoresis
- Miosis
- Seizures
Name Associated/Causative Substances: Opioid and sedative- hypnotic toxidromes (4)
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Alcohol
- Sedatives/hypnotics
Name sx (4) and signs (5): Opioid and sedative- hypnotic toxidromes (4)
- Sx:
- Altered mental status à
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Coma
- Signs:
- Hypotension
- Hypothermia
- Respiratory depression
- Miosis (opioids)
- Hyporeflexia
Name Associated/Causative Substances: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (5)
- Antipsychotics
- Levodopa
- Lithium
- Desipramine
- Phenelzine