Substance- or medication-induced depression

Temporal link to intoxication, withdrawal, or medication change. Caused by: Alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, benzos, steroids, isotretinoin, interferon, beta blockers

UrgentReview due

Compare (7)

At a glance

High-risk causes: 3
Related differentials: 6

Safety snapshot

Watch forWithdrawal suicidalitymixed intoxicationsevere functional decline

Presentation hinge

Sustained mood syndrome with guilt, hopelessness, reduced energy, impaired concentration, change in sleep/appetite.

Separates the Depression group. It is not specific to Substance- or medication-induced depression.

Clinical review

Rows marked “Whole group”: Applies to the Depression group — not specific to Substance- or medication-induced depression

Why it fits

Temporal link to intoxication, withdrawal, or medication change. Caused by: Alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, benzos, steroids, isotretinoin, interferon, beta blockers

Key features

Must-not-miss

Withdrawal suicidality, mixed intoxication, severe functional decline.

High-risk causes3 causes

Withdrawal suicidality
mixed intoxication
severe functional decline

Bedside question

Applies to the Depression group.

Sustained mood syndrome with guilt, hopelessness, reduced energy, impaired concentration, change in sleep/appetite.

Helpful clues

Immediate action

Applies to the Depression group.

None listed

Priority steps

Investigations

Applies to the Depression group.

None listed

Core tests

Mimics / overlap

Applies to the Depression group.

None listed

Consider

Clinical reference — not validated decision support. Review before use.