Cocaine-induced psychosis and impulsivity in cocaine-dependent patients

J Addict Dis. 2013;32(3):263-73. doi: 10.1080/10550887.2013.824330.

Abstract

Cocaine-dependent patients have high impulsiveness. Cocaine-induced psychosis is common among cocaine-dependent patients. Different risk factors associated with cocaine-induced psychosis have been reported. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between psychotic symptoms in cocaine-dependent patients and impulsivity and mental disorders characterized by impulsivity. This descriptive study included 287 outpatients with cocaine dependence according to the DSM-IV-TR criteria. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I and II, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and a specific questionnaire on the presence of cocaine-induced psychosis were used to assess patients. Symptoms were observed in 59.9% of the study population. Total and cognitive impulsiveness scores obtained from the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were significantly higher in patients with cocaine-induced psychosis. Individuals from this group reported more overdose incidents, initiated more treatments during their lifetime, and had a significantly greater prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients with cocaine-induced psychosis have a greater degree of impulsivity and a higher prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Thus, if these disorders are observed in cocaine-dependent participants, the presence of psychotic symptoms should be evaluated to prevent further occurrence and their consequences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / epidemiology
  • Bulimia Nervosa / epidemiology
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / diagnosis
  • Impulsive Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / diagnosis
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / epidemiology*
  • Psychoses, Substance-Induced / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spain / epidemiology