vious year, but in the younger age groups more  females than males have used inhalants
(e.g., among 12- to 17-year-olds, 3. 6% of males and 4.2% of females).
Functional Consequences of Inhalant Intoxication
Use of inhaled substances in a closed container, such as a plastic bag over the head, may
lead to unconsciousness, anoxia, and death.  Separately, “sudden sniffing death,” likely
from cardiac arrhythmia or arrest, may occu r with various volatile inhalants. The en-
hanced toxicity of certain vola tile inhalants, such as butane or propane, also causes fatal-
ities. Although inhalant intoxication itself is of short duration, it may produce persisting
medical and neurological problems, especi ally if the intoxications are frequent. 
Differential Diagnosis
Inhalant exposure, without meeting the criteria for inhalant intoxication disorder.
The individual intentionally or unintentionally inhaled substances, but the dose was in-
sufficient for the diagnostic criteria for inhalant use disorder to be met.
Intoxication and other substance/medica tion-induced disorders from other sub-
stances, especially from sedating substances (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbi-
turates). These disorders may have similar signs and symptoms, but the intoxication is
attributable to other intoxicants that may be identified via a toxicology sc reen. Differenti-
ating the source of the intoxication may invo lve discerning evidence of inhalant exposure
as described for inhalant use disorder. A diag nosis of inhalant intoxication may be sug-
gested by possession, or linger ing odors, of inhalant substances (e.g., glue, paint thinner,