Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder involves anxiety due to substance intoxication or withdrawal or to a medication treatment. In anxiety disorder due to another medical condition, anxiety symptoms are the physiological consequence of another medical condition.
Symptoms of Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
- Panic attacks or anxiety is predominant.
- The disturbance is not better explained by an anxiety disorder that is not substance/ medication-induced.
Causes of Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
- The main cause of Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder is the intake of drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines that might induce anxiety during or after use.
- Intake of too much caffeine is also known to increase anxiety symptoms.
- Inhalants used for huffing (e.g., fuel, spray paint) can also be a causal factor.
- Sedatives, hypnotics, and anxiolytics like opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates can also cause substance induced anxiety.
Treatment for Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
- Therapy: Those with substance abuse and anxiety disorder can benefit largely from therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Group therapies and support groups can also help in dealing with substance/ medication-induced anxiety.
- Medication: Antidepressants or anxiolytics can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Self-help: Self-help techniques like exercise, meditation and mindfulness training are also helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms. Eating right, consuming less caffeine and alcohol also helps with substance induced anxiety.
If you are suffering from substance/ medication-induced anxiety, you must seek help at the earliest and learn to manage your anxiety. NABHS is here to help you through difficult times and empower you with the right resources and support!
