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Cocaine
Dependence Symptoms and DSM-IV Diagnosis
Cocaine
Dependence Symptoms and Diagnosis Overview:
 Cocaine Dependence
symptoms and diagnostic criteria follow below. While some of these Cocaine
Dependence symptoms may be recognized by family, teachers, legal and medical
professionals, and others, only properly trained mental health
professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors etc.) can
or should even attempt to make a mental health diagnosis. Many additional
factors are considered in addition to the Cocaine Dependence symptoms in making
proper diagnosis, including frequently medical and psychological testing
considerations. This information on Cocaine Dependence symptoms and diagnostic
criteria are for information purposes only and should never replace the judgment
and comprehensive assessment of a trained mental health clinician.
Cocaine Dependence Diagnostic criteria:
304.20 Cocaine
Dependence
A Cocaine
dependence diagnosis should only be given after referring to the criteria for
substance dependence. Cocaine dependence may occur after using cocaine for a
very short period of time, because of cocaine’s potent euphoric effects. One of
the earlier signs of cocaine dependence is limited ability to withstand the use
of cocaine when it is present or available. Cocaine requires frequent dosage to
maintain the "high" because of its short half-life. Individuals with dependence
on this drug may spend extremely large amounts of money for this drug within a
extremely short period of time. Often an individual using this drug may become
involved in drug dealing, prostitution, and theft in order to obtain money to
purchase this drug. Persons with cocaine dependence also find it necessary at
times to discontinue its use for a short period of time to rest or obtain
additional resources. Individual responsibility such as childcare or work may be
severely neglected to use or obtain cocaine. Chronic use may result in mental or
physical problems such as paranoid ideation, depression, aggressive behavior,
anxiety and weight loss. Tolerance frequently occurs with repeated use
regardless of the route of administration. Withdrawal symptoms are frequently
reported and are usually associated with high-dose use and are usually
transitory.
Specifiers:
Specifiers such
as the following may be applied to the diagnosis of cocaine dependence.
With
Physiological Dependence
Without
Physiological Dependence
Early Full
Remission
Early Partial
Remission
Sustained Full
Remission
Sustained
Partial Remission
On Agonist
Therapy
In a Controlled
Environment
Information
from the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV
Additional
Information and webpage by
Paul Susic
MA
Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist)
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