Substance-Induced Psychosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches.

Abstract

Substance-Induced Psychosis (SIP) has emerged as a major clinical issue due to its similarity to primary psychotic disorders. Psychoactive substances like amphetamines can lead to persistent psychotic symptoms, complicating the diagnostic process. Differentiating SIP from primary disorders is challenging due to symptom overlap. Treatment typically involves atypical antipsychotics and psychosocial therapies, with a focus on early intervention to prevent chronic psychosis. Effective management requires a comprehensive approach addressing both immediate and long-term needs to enhance patient outcomes. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to substance-induced psychosis, identifying the most effective interventions for managing this condition and the main challenges in the differential diagnosis with other psychotic disorders. The scientific databases Scopus and PubMed were used for article selection, with the following English keywords: “Substance-induced psychosis, Diagnostic approaches, Therapeutic interventions, Differential diagnosis”. Therefore, Substance-Induced Psychosis (SIP) is challenging for diagnosis and treatment due to its overlap with primary psychotic disorders (PPD). Differentiating SIP from PPD is essential but complicated by similar symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. Treatment typically involves atypical antipsychotics and integrates pharmacotherapy with psychosocial therapies. Emerging approaches, such as dietary and epigenetic interventions, offer new possibilities and should be monitored for future validation. A multidimensional approach considering both acute and long-term factors is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.