# 136 - 6C4D Disorders due to use of dissociative dru

# 6C4D Disorders due to use of dissociative drugs, including ketamine and phencyclidine (PCP)

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Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviours
Disorders due to use of volatile inhalants
Disorders due to use of volatile inhalants are characterized by the pattern and consequences of 
volatile inhalant use. Volatile inhalants include a range of compounds that are in the gaseous or 
vapour phase at ambient temperatures, such as various organic solvents, glues, gasoline (petrol), 
nitrites and gases such as nitrous oxide, trichloroethane, butane, toluene, fluorocarbons, ether 
and halothane. They have a range of pharmacological properties but are predominantly central 
nervous system depressants, with many also having vasoactive effects. They tend to be used by 
younger people, and may be used when access to alternative psychoactive substances is difficult or 
impossible. Volatile inhalant intoxication is well recognized. Volatile inhalants have dependenceproducing properties, and volatile inhalant dependence and volatile inhalant withdrawal 
are recognized, although comparatively uncommon worldwide. Volatile inhalant-induced 
mental disorders are described. Volatile inhalants may also cause neurocognitive impairment, 
including dementia.
Disorders due to use of MDMA or related drugs, including MDA
Disorders due to use of 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamfetamine (MDMA) or related drugs, including 
methylenedioxyamfetamine (MDA), are characterized by the pattern and consequences of MDMA 
or related drug use. MDMA is a common drug of abuse in many countries especially among 
young people. It is predominantly available in tablet form known as “ecstasy”. Pharmacologically, 
MDMA has stimulant and empathogenic properties, and these encourage its use among young 
people for social and other interactions. Considering its wide prevalence in many countries and 
among many subgroups of young people, MDMA and related drug dependence and MDMA and 
related drug withdrawal are comparatively uncommon. Substance-induced mental disorders may 
arise from its use, and health sequelae are recognized, including liver disease and hyponatraemia, 
which may be fatal. Several analogues of MDMA exist, including MDA.
Disorders due to use of dissociative drugs, including ketamine and 
phencyclidine (PCP)
Disorders due to use of dissociative drugs, including ketamine and PCP, are characterized by 
the pattern and consequences of dissociative drug use. Dissociative drugs include ketamine and 
PCP and their (comparatively rare) chemical analogues. Ketamine is an intravenous anaesthetic 
widely used in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, and in emergency 
situations. Ketamine is also undergoing evaluation for treatment of some mental disorders (e.g. 
treatment-resistant depressive disorders). It is also a widespread drug of nonmedical use in 
many countries, and may be taken by the oral or nasal routes or injected. It produces a sense of 
euphoria but, depending on the dose, emergent hallucinations and dissociation are recognized 
as unpleasant side-effects. Phencyclidine has a more restricted worldwide distribution, and also 
has euphoric and dissociative effects. Its use may result in bizarre behaviour uncharacteristic for 
the individual, including self-harm. Dissociative drug dependence is described, but a withdrawal 
syndrome is not recognized by most authorities. Several dissociative drug-induced mental 
disorders are recognized.
6C4B
6C4C
6C4D
Disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviours | Substance classes