A substance-induced psychosis is characterized by hallucinations or deliriums brought on by direct effects of a substance. However, when delirium is absent, the hallucinations can be caused by withdrawal syndrome. These symptoms can be caused by many different substances: alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP) or sedatives. It is to be diagnosed as a substance-induced psychosis only when hallucinations and deliriums are much more intense than those brought on by intoxication or withdrawal (even though these two phenomena may be associated with it).
Symptoms usually don’t last for long and disappear when the substances that have been causing them are expelled. However, a psychosis induced by cocaine, amphetamines or PCP can persist for several weeks.
TREATMENT
First of all, it is important to start with pharmaceutical therapy, based on antipsychotics or benzodiazepines. In fact, in most cases the use of anxiolytics or antipsychotics has proved to be successful. For psychosis LSD-induced keeping the patient under observation in a calm environment may be successful as well. Once stabilized, the patient may start a psychotherapeutic approach focused on the patient’s psychological wellness and on developing coping mechanisms.
