Long-term follow-up of patients treated for psychotic symptoms that persist after stopping illicit drug use.

Abstract

Most patients with substance-induced psychotic disorders in our sample had a good long-term prognosis but those who started illegal drug use early, used drugs for prolonged periods, or had a family history of psychiatric illnesses were more likely to develop a chronic psychosis. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the relationship of the neurotoxic effects of illicit drugs and the predisposing characteristics of the individuals in the development of chronic psychosis in persons who use illicit drugs.