ICD-11

Disorders due to use of synthetic cathinones are characterised by the pattern and consequences of synthetic cathinone use. Synthetic cathinones (also known as ‘bath salts’) are synthetic compounds with stimulant properties related to cathinone found in the khat plant, Catha edulis. The use of synthetic cathinones is common in young populations in many countries. They may produce a range of disorders including Synthetic Cathinone Intoxication, Synthetic Cathinone Dependence and Synthetic Cathinone Withdrawal. Several synthetic cathinone-induced mental disorders are recognised.

Synthetic cathinone-induced mood disorder is characterised by mood symptoms (e.g., depressed or elevated mood, decreased engagement in pleasurable activities, increased or decreased energy levels) that develop during or soon after intoxication with or withdrawal from synthetic cathinones. The intensity or duration of the symptoms is substantially in excess of mood disturbances that are characteristic of Synthetic cathinone intoxication or Synthetic cathinone withdrawal. The amount and duration of synthetic cathinone use must be capable of producing mood symptoms. The symptoms are not better explained by a primary mental disorder (e.g., a Depressive disorder, a Bipolar disorder, Schizoaffective disorder), as might be the case if the mood symptoms preceded the onset of the synthetic cathinone use, if the symptoms persist for a substantial period of time after cessation of the synthetic cathinone use or withdrawal, or if there is other evidence of a pre-existing primary mental disorder with mood symptoms (e.g., a history of prior episodes not associated with synthetic cathinone use).