Both drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can cause similar symptoms. However, schizophrenia can have several different causes, whereas drug-induced psychosis only occurs from drug use.
This article summarizes the main differences between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia and discusses their causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. It will also detail the treatment and outlook for both conditions.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), there are several key differences between schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis. The table below outlines them.
| Schizophrenia | Drug-induced psychosis | |
| What are the symptoms? | Schizophrenia must include delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. They may also include disorganized behavior and catatonic behavior. | Drug-induced psychosis must include delusions or hallucinations. |
| What are the causes? | Genetic and environmental factors. Drug-induced psychosis can also transition into schizophrenia. | Taking drugs, such as cannabis, hallucinogens, and amphetamines. |
| How long can it last? | Symptoms must affect a person for at least 6 months before they can receive a diagnosis. People can experience recovery periods that last for years, but typically it is a chronic condition. | The acute phase may only last a few hours. However, symptoms can persist for several weeks. |
| How do doctors treat it? | Antipsychotic medications can help with the acute phase. They can also be useful in the longer term, alongside nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). | Antipsychotic medications help manage the acute phase. Doctors may then try to address the underlying cause of the drug use. |
The authors write that it may also have links to:
- higher levels of dopamine
- the severity of drug misuse and dependence
- misusing more than one drug
The
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Not all drug use leads to drug-induced psychosis. Scientists remain unsure about why some drug use leads to these episodes. However, research has shown that several different drugs are able to cause them.
These include:
Causes of psychosis
The
It may be a symptom of a mental health condition such as schizophrenia.
Other causes include:
- sleep deprivation
- some prescription medications
- alcohol misuse
- cannabis
Causes of schizophrenia
Overall,
Scientists have also identified environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. These include:
- atypical fetal development
- gestational diabetes
- low birth weight
- having a complicated birth, such as the mother having an infection during pregnancy
- maternal malnutrition
- being born in the winter
- living in an urban environment
The DSM-5-TR lists the symptoms of drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia.
Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis include delusions and hallucinations.
The following are symptoms of drug-induced schizophrenia:
- delusions
- hallucinations
- disorganized speech, which may be unfocused or incoherent
- highly disorganized or catatonic behavior
- diminished emotional expression or lack of motivation
The DSM-5-TR states that doctors and psychiatrists must consider several different factors to diagnose drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia.
To diagnose an individual with drug-induced psychosis, medical professionals must be confident of the following criteria:
- the individual has at least one symptom of drug-induced psychosis
- the symptoms must have begun during or just after drug use or during drug withdrawal
- the symptoms are not the result of a different psychotic disorder
- the symptoms persist even when the individual is not intoxicated
- the symptoms cause significant problems with the individual’s work or social functioning
To diagnose an individual with schizophrenia, medical professionals must be confident of the following criteria:
- for at least 1 month, the individual has at least two schizophrenia symptoms
- for at least 1 month, one of those symptoms must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech
- the symptoms cause significant problems with the individual’s work, social functioning, or ability to self-care
- the symptoms do not indicate conditions such as schizoaffective disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder
- the symptoms are not the direct result of drug use
- the individual has some negative symptoms, such as a diminished emotional expression or lack of motivation
In autistic people or those with childhood communication disorders, schizophrenia diagnoses are more complicated. Healthcare professionals must make sure that the individual has experienced severe delusions or hallucinations for at least 1 month.
According to a
After the acute phase has passed, doctors will attempt to address the underlying cause. With drug-induced psychosis, drug intoxication might have played a role.
However, treatment for schizophrenia is very complex.
After an acute phase of schizophrenia, doctors typically recommend antipsychotics in the form of a slow-acting injection. This can help the individual avoid symptom relapse and maintain their treatment.
Nonpharmacological interventions are also useful and might include art therapy, drama therapy, or CBT. A person should also get support while they gradually reenter their community.
The outlook for people with schizophrenia varies greatly.
- a slow, gradual disease onset
- the disease beginning during childhood or adolescence
- an impaired ability to think
However, other factors can make it easier for people to manage their condition:
- acute disease onset
- being female
- living in a developed country
Schizophrenia can severely disrupt someone’s personal and professional life. It can also lead to suicidal ideation. In people with this condition, the
According to 2019 research, between
Overall, the outlook for people with drug-induced psychosis is uncertain. A
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis are conditions that can both lead to delusions and hallucinations. However, they are not the same.
Schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis have different symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatments.
There is a lack of research on how to treat and manage drug-induced psychosis, but common treatments include antipsychotic medications.