Drug-induced depressive disorder
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
The estimated lifetime prevalence of drug-induced depression is 0.26%. People with drug-induced depression are more likely to report a family history of substance use, antisocial behavior, and stressful life events. Compared to individuals with major depressive disorder, people with drug-induced depression are more likely to report feelings of worthlessness, sleep pattern changes, and suicidal ideation than depressed mood. Type of medication and dose affect the likelihood of a patient developing depressive symptoms.
Substances and medications that have been shown to induce depressive symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Alcohol
- Stimulants (eg, cocaine)
- Cardiovascular agents (clonidine, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine, beta blockers)
- Dermatologic agents (isotretinoin)
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Anticonvulsants (levetiracetam)
- Antimigraine medications (triptans)
- Hormonal agents (corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, tamoxifen)
- Varenicline
- Immunological agents (interferons)
- Levodopa
Codes
ICD10CM:F32.89 – Other specified depressive episodes
SNOMEDCT:
191495003 – Drug-induced depressive state
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Primary depressive disorders (eg, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder) – It is important to distinguish the etiology of depressive symptoms and chronology of substance or medication use.
- Substance use disorder or withdrawal – Extent of depressive symptoms must be distinguished from what would usually be expected with use of a given substance.
- Depression secondary to a medical condition – Including Parkinson disease, hypothyroidism, and myriad other conditions.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:06/15/2020
Last Updated:09/17/2020
Last Updated:09/17/2020