Amphetamine-induced psychosis: Transition to schizophrenia and mortality in a small prospective sample.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

We investigated transition from amphetamine-induced psychosis (AIP) to schizophrenia.

METHODS

A sample of 28 individuals was identified while hospitalized for AIP. We reviewed their hospital records after six years.

RESULTS

During follow-up, seven individuals (25%) died and nine (32%) had moved from the area. Of the remaining 12, four individuals (25%) were diagnosed with schizophrenia. These individuals were, at baseline, characterized by fewer hallucinatory symptoms and more homelessness.

CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Hospitalization for AIP was a relatively specific risk factor for schizophrenia and the mortality rate in AIP was high.