Substance-induced psychosis is initially treated by cessation of the substance causing psychosis and the following treatment plans.
The initial treatment for substance-induced psychosis is the cessation of the substance that causes psychosis and monitoring the person in a safe and calm environment.
Some of the drugs commonly prescribed for the treatment of substance-induced psychosis include:
- Antianxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, to treat symptoms of drug-induced psychosis
- Antipsychotics are beneficial to treat psychosis caused by a dopamine-stimulating drug, such as amphetamines
- Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, can prevent intense manic states associated with psychosis
Some ways to treat different substance-induced psychosis are:
- Psychosis caused by a dopamine-stimulating drug, such as amphetamines: An antipsychotic drug is most effective.
- Psychosis caused by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): Monitoring the patient in a calm environment is needed.
- Substances without any dopamine action: Observation and an antianxiety drug are needed.
Treatment plan for substance-induced psychosis
An effective treatment is essential to treat substance-induced psychosis. Several treatment options are available to treat addiction to a substance.
The treatment plan for substance-induced psychosis is:
- Initially, the person must undergo detox to taper the symptoms of psychosis. The detox with a complete rehabilitation program should be followed for successful treatment.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches new behavioral skills and helps them cope with triggering situations.
- Support offered by group or family therapy is often more beneficial than individual therapy.
What is substance-induced psychosis?
Substance-induced psychosis refers to psychosis triggered by hallucinogens, prescription medicines, or other drugs.
Some causes for substance-induced psychosis are:
- Taking excess of a certain drug or substance abuse
- Having an adverse reaction to mixing substances
- Side effects of taking prescription medicine
- During withdrawal from the drug
- Underlying mental health issues
Someone prone to psychosis or having an underlying mental health issue may have substance-induced psychosis when overdosed or intoxicated.
One can experience psychosis in the following situations:
- While using or not using the illicit drugs
- While recovering from a substance use disorder
What are the risk factors for substance-induced psychosis?
Some risk factors that can increase the risk of developing this type of disorder include:
- A traumatic brain injury or stroke
- A family or personal history of schizophrenia, mood disorders, or psychotic disorders
- Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease
- Brain tumors, lesions, or cysts
- Genetic abnormalities
- Side effects of certain prescription medications
Psychosis refers to disconnection from reality, which can be complicated, with the effects of any drugs or alcohol use. To define substance abuse, it is the use of illicit drugs, prescription medicine taken outside the instructions of a doctor, or excessive alcohol use.
How can be a substance-induced psychosis identified?
If the following symptoms are present, immediately contact the doctor to learn about treatment options:
- Hallucinations, including hearing, seeing, feeling, or smelling things that are not present
- Hypersensitivity to sounds, smells, or other sensory input
- A flat affect or lack of emotional expressions
- Delusions, including hearing voices or a strong belief that someone is monitoring constantly
- Religious delusions, such as constantly thinking that God is sending some special messages
- Challenges in distinguishing between fantasy and reality, such as imagining a special relationship with a celebrity
- Trouble taking care, including forgetting to eat and bathe or hoarding things
- Paranoia and suspicion, including suspecting loved ones, institutions, or other people of harming or chasing
- Difficulty communicating clearly, including disordered speech and thoughts
