What is a defining characteristic of Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder?

Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder is characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms that can be directly linked to the use of a substance or medication. In this disorder, depression arises specifically after the use of a substance, highlighting the causal relationship between the substance and the mood disturbance. This defining characteristic is essential in differentiating this disorder from other depressive disorders, as it emphasizes that the depressive symptoms are a direct result of substance use rather than an independent condition.

In contrast, other options present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the nature of this disorder; for example, while withdrawal can lead to mood disturbances, it is not the only situation where depressive symptoms may arise in relation to substance use. The suggestion that the depression is completely unrelated to substances contradicts the core premise of the disorder, as the depressive symptoms are specifically induced by the substance. Additionally, the idea that depression occurs without external triggers does not align with the concept of this disorder, since substance use itself serves as the trigger for the depressive symptoms.