Phencyclidine use disorder is a pattern of phencyclidine (PCP) use (or a pharmacologically similar substance) that causes significant impairment or distress, as demonstrated by at least two of the following factors occurring within a 12-month period:
- Phencyclidine is often used in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control phencyclidine use.
- A great deal of time is spent trying to obtain phencyclidine or recover from its effects.
- Person has a craving or strong desire to use phencyclidine.
- Recurrent phencyclidine use results in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences from work or poor work performance related to phencyclidine use; suspensions or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household).
- Phencyclidine use continues despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of phencyclidine use (e.g., arguments with a spouse about consequences of intoxication; physical fights).
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of phencyclidine use.
- Recurrent phencyclidine use takes place in situations where it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving a car or operating a machine)
- Phencyclidine use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to be caused or exacerbated by the drug.
- Tolerance has been built up, as defined as either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of phencyclidine to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of phencyclidine.
Phencyclidine use disorder is rated as mild with the presence of 2-3 symptoms, moderate with 4-5 symptoms, and severe with 6 or more symptoms.
Mental Health Library Sources:
Information included in all topics of the Mental Health Library comes from the Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria From DSM-5 and Kaplan & Sadock’s Concise Textbook of Clinical Psychiatry. Complete diagnostic and treatment information may be found within these publications.
Disclaimer:
Information within the Mental Health Library is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis purposes. Rather, it is provided as a public educational service to make people aware of mental health conditions. Please consult a qualified mental health professional for a diagnosis of any suspected mental health illness.