Volatile inhalant withdrawal

Volatile inhalant withdrawal is a group of symptoms, behaviours, and physiological changes that can occur when individuals who are dependent on inhalants abruptly reduce or stop their use. This condition is most often seen in those who have engaged in prolonged or heavy inhalant use.

Volatile inhalant withdrawal
Specialty	Psychiatry
Symptoms	Dysphoria, insomnia, transient illusions, anxiety, irritability, nausea, shakiness, perspiration[1]
Complications	Encephalopathy

Symptoms

The severity and duration of volatile inhalant withdrawal symptoms can vary. Common symptoms may include dysphoria, insomnia, transient illusions, anxiety, irritability, nausea, shakiness, perspiration.^[2][1]

Diagnostic manuals

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) recognises volatile inhalant withdrawal as a distinct condition. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not currently list inhalant withdrawal as a diagnostic category. This omission is attributed to a lack of substantial evidence demonstrating a consistent and severe withdrawal pattern comparable to that seen with psychoactive substances like phencyclidine (PCP) or hallucinogens.^[2]

A national study involving individuals diagnosed with inhalant dependence (under DSM-IV-TR criteria) found that nearly 48% experienced three or more significant withdrawal symptoms.^[2] This evidence has led some experts to advocate for the inclusion of inhalant withdrawal criteria in future editions of the DSM.^[2]