Home > Publications

Comorbidity of mental disorders and substance use: a brief guide for the primary care clinician

8.8 Major clinical issues with personality disorders and inhalant/ solvent use

Table of contents

Inhalant users have high rates of personality disorders with early-onset inhalant use in particular being strongly associated with personality disorders.
Inhalants will exacerbate the sedative effects of carbamazepine, lithium, sodium valproate and antidepressants such as tricyclics.
Inhalant users should be encouraged to try and reduce or cease use.

8.8.1 Effects of inhalants/ solvents on personality disorders

Inhalant users have high rates of personality disorders with early onset inhalant use, in particular, being strongly associated with personality disorders⁽²⁵⁰⁾.

Inhalants will exacerbate the sedative effects of carbamazepine, lithium, sodium valproate and antidepressants such as tricyclics^x.

As with most other substances, inhalant users should be encouraged to try and reduce or cease use.
In general, with respect to inhalant/solvent use⁽⁶⁵⁾:
- Outline the harms associated with inhalant/solvent use.
- Investigate polysubstance use as this is common.
Standard CBT approaches to both sets of issues should be used, with particular attention to the development of:
- Assertiveness skills (refusal skills).
- Coping skills for controlling and managing emotions such as anger and sadness.
Offer alternatives to inhalant use, for example, recreational activities.
Community reinforcement approaches should be developed by mobilising the local health and welfare service system in individual care plans.
Family interventions need to be considered, for example, increasing communication between the person and the family.
Assertive outreach and follow-up may be required.