Substance induced depression affects thousands of people around the world. Unfortunately, the number of such cases is on a rise. Like any other kind of depression, there are a number of substance induced depression and body aches symptoms that can be identified. Here are some of the symptoms that you need to look for. Loss of Self Confidence A person suffering from substance induced body aches and depression is usually very low on confidence. This is noticeable from the way the person behaves. He/she is not up for any kind of task and usually needs to be convinced a lot in order to take up a task. This is one of the most common substance induced depression symptoms that you will come across. Loss of Skills A person suffering from substance induced depression disorder tends to forget basic skills. For instance – the person may no longer be comfortable driving a car or may end up making plenty of mistakes while executing tasks like cooking. It can also be linked to the symptoms of manic depression. This is one of the substance induced depression symptoms that is observed in later stages of the disorder. Loss of Ability Loss of ability is another very common symptom associated with substance induced depression disorder. A person tends to lose the ability to do basic things. For instance – he/she may no longer be able to remember things that have happened recently. Not being able to focus and concentrate is another example of loss ...

As early as 1950 there was a link between mood disorders induced by certain drugs.  Illicit drugs were the chief cause of substance induced depression. Some of the over the counter drugs have also contributed to this depressive mood disorder. Drug Abuse Drug abuse accelerates depression in people who already have a history of depressive disorders like dysthymia (an illness which causes low levels of depression), or bipolar disorder.) Taking medicines like IFN Alpha corticosteroids, Digoxin and antidepressants are some causes for substance induced depression as noted in some myths about depression.  Some medicines like beta blockers, sedatives, Finasteride, calcium channel blockers may have a mild effect on moods and are not considered a major causes of substance induced depression. Substance Induced Depression Diagnosis However the patient’s medical history must be evaluated, before making conclusions. Generally in substance induced depression, symptoms like fatigue sleep changes, gastric problems etc. can manifest. These reactions can also be temporary and can reverse once the medicine is withdrawn.  If the patient is on drug abuse a urine sample will reveal the truth. If the mood disorder is due to taking medicines the thyroid test, Liver function test, electrolytes tests and blood urea tests will help in treating or withdrawal of the drug. Causes of Substance induced depression may include alcohol addiction. Generally addiction is a chronic disorder and the addicted person is well aware of the consequences and yet continues the addictive behavior. Alcoholism An alcoholic craves for drinks morning to evening. He gets ...