Studies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness.
The representative drugs that can cause psychosis are amphetamine, scopolamine, ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) [7].
The authors concluded that the overall proportion of transition from substance-induced psychosis to schizophrenia was 25%, and the strongest predictor was the type of substance.
Risk factors
Having a family history of schizophrenia. Some pregnancy and birth complications, such as malnutrition or exposure to toxins or viruses that may impact brain development. Taking mind-altering (psychoactive or psychotropic) drugs during teen years and young adulthood.
Studies have shown using drugs, particularly cannabis, cocaine, LSD or amphetamines, can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, psychosis or a similar illness.
Substance-induced psychosis is a form of psychosis brought on by alcohol or other drug use. It can also occur when a person is withdrawing from alcohol or other drugs. The most common symptoms include visual hallucinations, disorientation and memory problems.
Transition to schizophrenia
The substance present was the primary predictor of transition from drug-induced psychosis to schizophrenia, with highest rates associated with cannabis (34% ( 25–46%)), hallucinogen (26% ( 14–43%)) and amphetamines (22% ( 14–34%)).
Unfortunately, most people with schizophrenia are unaware that their symptoms are warning signs of a mental disorder. Their lives may be unraveling, yet they may believe that their experiences are normal. Or they may feel that they're blessed or cursed with special insights that others can't see.
How long can drug induced schizophrenia psychosis last? Drug-induced psychosis typically only lasts until the drug has cleared from the body, generally from two to five days. Meth-induced psychoses are rarely permanent but symptoms may last a few years.
Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects less than one percent of the U.S. population. When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble with thinking and lack of motivation.
The causes of schizophrenia
Stress, genetic factors, harmful alcohol and other drug use, particularly cannabis and amphetamine use, may trigger psychosis in people who are vulnerable to developing schizophrenia.
Paranoid schizophrenia
This is the most common type of schizophrenia. It may develop later in life than other forms. Symptoms include hallucinations and/or delusions, but your speech and emotions may not be affected.
Of the antipsychotics, clozapine was approximately18 times more likely to result in death when taken in overdose than chlorpromazine (single drug case fatality: OR 18.53 95% CI 8.69–39.52).
About 3 in every 100 people will experience at least one episode of psychosis in their lifetimes. Drug-induced psychosis, also known as substance-induced psychotic disorder, is simply any psychotic episode that is related to the abuse of an intoxicant.
People who have psychotic episodes are often totally unaware their behaviour is in any way strange or that their delusions or hallucinations are not real. They may recognise delusional or bizarre behaviour in others, but lack the self-awareness to recognise it in themselves.
The typical course of a psychotic episode can be thought of as having three phases: Prodrome Phase, Acute Phase, and Recovery Phase.
Drug-induced psychosis can be permanent in some cases and may lead to the development of chronic psychiatric conditions. For this reason, avoiding substances linked to psychosis is important. This is especially true if you have had previous episodes of psychosis or already have mental health problems.
This can include disorganized thinking, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, or a loss of interest in activities. These symptoms can affect almost every aspect of a person's life. That's why it's 10/10 important you talk with a healthcare professional if you suspect you or a loved one has schizophrenia.
In most people with schizophrenia, symptoms generally start in the mid- to late 20s, though it can start later, up to the mid-30s. Schizophrenia is considered early onset when it starts before the age of 18. Onset of schizophrenia in children younger than age 13 is extremely rare.
Trauma may cause changes in the body and affect neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing the risk of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia. Childhood trauma may trigger schizophrenia in those susceptible to it, and people may experience symptoms between their late teens and early 30s.