Inhalant Abuse in a Teenager with Depression: A Case Report

Abstract

Substance use disorders are of rising concern in the current world with trends towards adolescents owing to various developmental changes occurring during this age group. Though alcohol and smoking are commonly studied substance use disorder, inhalants which are easily available are under reported as addictions. The case report presented elaborates the inhalant use disorder by sniffing petrol in the adolescent since 2 years who initially presented with medical complication with pervasive low mood history accounting to persistent depressive disorder. Patient showed improvement in both reduction in inhalant use and decreased low mood on treatment with antidepressants. Screening for inhalant use disorders in adolescents is emphasized for early diagnosis and management of the cases. Keywords: Inhalant use disorder, Adolescent, Depression