I. Maremmani, A. Lazzeri, S. Canoniero, M. Aglietti, G.F. Placidi - Volume 5, Settembre 1999, n.3
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Riassunto Indice
Abuso di sostanze e psicosi croniche
Substance abuse and chronic psychoses
Objective: whether in the various editions of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) the chronic substances induced psychotic disorders (SIPD) are not considered, differences between SIPD and Primary Psychotic Disorders (PPD) are still controversial.
Method: we reviewed studies about clinical characteristics of cannabinoids induced psychotic disorders; about the prevalence rate of psychotic disorders among cannabinoids users; about the use of cannabinoids in chronic psychotic patients; about the use of cannabinoids and the aggravation of psychotic symptoms. We also reviewed studies about the relationships between the use of amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, ecstasy, polyabuse and the onset of psychotic episodes. Finally we discussed personal observations in chronic psychotic substance abusers.
Results and conclusions: cannabinoids seem to be the substance most abused in chronic psychotic patients (with schizophrenia or affective disorders with psychotic features), but polyabuse is increasing. Less blunted affect and more violence are frequently represented in the clinical picture of the chronic psychotic substance abusers. Chronic SIPD are rare, but the course of these illnesses is very similar to spontaneous PPD.