Diagnosis and Management of Depressant Drug Dependence
Abstract
Patients who are dependent on a depressant drug, or combinations of them, are being seen quite regularly in hospital psychiatric practice. After discussing epidemiology, etiology, and diagnosis, the authors emphasize the importance of differentiating between the toxic effects of overdosage and the abstinence syndrome. The latter is best treated in the hospital, with drug requirements being determined by a test dose of pentobarbital. Thereafter a withdrawal regime over a ten-day period avoids serious complications.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).