It can be difficult to distinguish substance-induced disorders from independent mental disorders at initial presentation. As described in Chapter A4, substance-induced disorders are those that occur as a direct physiological consequence of AOD intoxication or withdrawal, and usually abate following a period of abstinence [10]. Symptoms of mood, anxiety, psychotic, obsessive-compulsive, sleep, and neurocognitive disorders, as well as sexual dysfunction and delirium, may all be substance-induced. It is also possible that people may present to treatment with a combination of substance-induced and independent mental disorders [1567].
More information about identifying substance-induced disorders is described in Chapter B3. While distinguishing between substance-induced and independent mental disorders can be difficult, it is crucial that people experiencing mental health symptoms who are currently using substances, or with a history of AOD use, are not automatically assumed to have a substance-induced disorder [1568]. Such assumptions may lead to the person not being provided with appropriate and timely treatment.