Amphetamine (or amphetamine-like)- related disorders
Amphetamine (or Amphetamine-Like)- Related Disorders
The class of amphetamine and amphetamine-like substances includes all substances with a substituted-phenylethylamine structure, such as amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine ("speed"). Also included are those substances that are structurally different but also have amphetamine-like action, such as methylphenidate or agents used as appetite suppressants ("diet pills"). These substances are usually taken orally or intravenously, although methamphetamine is also taken by the nasal route ("snorting"). A very pure form of methamphetamine is called "ice" because of the appearance of its crystals when observed under magnification. Because of its high purity and relatively low vaporization point, as is true for "crack," ice can be smoked to produce an immediate and powerful stimulant effect. In addition to the synthetic amphetamine-like compounds, there are naturally occurring, plant-derived stimulants such as khat that can produce Abuse or Dependence. Unlike cocaine, which is almost always purchased on the illegal market, amphetamines and other stimulants may be obtained by prescription for the treatment of obesity, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Narcolepsy. Prescribed stimulants have sometimes been diverted into the illegal market, often in the context of weight-control programs. Most of the effects of amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs are similar to those of cocaine. However, unlike cocaine, these substances do not have local anesthetic (i.e., membrane ion channel) activity; therefore, their risk for inducing certain general medical conditions (e.g., cardiac arrhythmias and seizures) may be lower. The psychoactive effects of most amphetamine-like substances last longer than those of cocaine, and the peripheral sympathomimetic effects may be more potent.
This section contains discussions that are specific to the Amphetamine-Related Disorders. Texts and criteria sets have already been provided for the generic aspects of Substance Dependence (p. 192) and Substance Abuse (p. 198) that apply across all substances. The application of these general criteria to Amphetamine Dependence and Abuse is provided below. However, there are no unique criteria sets for Amphetamine Dependence or Amphetamine Abuse. Specific texts and criteria sets for Amphetamine Intoxication and Amphetamine Withdrawal are also provided below. The Amphetamine-Induced Disorders (other than Amphetamine Intoxication and Withdrawal) are described in the sections of the manual with disorders with which they share phenomenology (e.g., Amphetamine-Induced Mood Disorder is included in the "Mood Disorders" section). Listed below are the Amphetamine Use Disorders and the Amphetamine-Induced Disorders.
Amphetamine Use Disorders
- 304.40 Amphetamine Dependence (see p. 224)
- 305.70 Amphetamine Abuse (see p. 225)
Amphetamine-Induced Disorders
- 292.89 Amphetamine Intoxication (see p. 226) Specify if: With Perceptual Disturbances
- 292.0 Amphetamine Withdrawal (see p. 227)
- 292.81 Amphetamine Intoxication Delirium (see p. 143)
- 292.11 Amphetamine-Induced Psychotic Disorder, With Delusions (see p. 338) Specify if: With Onset During Intoxication
- 292.12 Amphetamine-Induced Psychotic Disorder, With Hallucinations (see p. 338) Specify if: With Onset During Intoxication
- 292.84 Amphetamine-Induced Mood Disorder (see p. 405)
Specify if: With Onset During Intoxication/With Onset During Withdrawal - 292.89 Amphetamine-Induced Anxiety Disorder (see p. 479)
Specify if: With Onset During Intoxication - 292.89 Amphetamine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction (see p. 562)
Specify if: With Onset During Intoxication - 292.85 Amphetamine-Induced Sleep Disorder (see p. 655)
Specify if: With Onset During Intoxication/With Onset During Withdrawal - 292.9 Amphetamine-Related Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (see p. 231)