F18.150

Clinical Causes: Prolonged or frequent inhalant use to achieve a high Use of products such as solvents, aerosols, gases, or glue fumes in poorly ventilated areas Attempting to escape emotional distress or mental health issues Peer influence or availability of inhalant substances Lack of awareness about the dangers of inhalant misuse

Key Symptoms: Delusions such as paranoid beliefs or false ideas about being harmed or persecuted Hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that aren't present Altered perceptions and disorganized thinking Mood swings, agitation, or confusion Physical symptoms like dizziness, slurred speech, or unsteady movements

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, including the patient's history of inhalant use and presentation of psychotic symptoms. Healthcare providers may perform psychiatric assessments and, if available, toxicology tests to identify recent inhalant exposure. Psychiatric criteria from the DSM-5 help establish the diagnosis of inhalant-induced psychotic disorder with delusions, differentiating it from primary psychotic disorders.

Treatment Protocols: Management involves a combination of approaches: - **Substance cessation:** Encouraging the patient to stop inhalant use, often requiring behavioral therapies - **Psychiatric intervention:** Medications such as antipsychotics may be prescribed to manage delusions and hallucinations - **Psychotherapy:** Counseling and support groups to address underlying mental health issues and prevent relapse - **Monitoring and follow-up:** Regular assessments to evaluate treatment effectiveness and ongoing mental health needs Addressing inhalant abuse and its mental health consequences can be complex, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment plans and multidisciplinary care teams.