[Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder--a diagnostic entity of its own?]

Alcohol-induced psychotic disorders are relatively rare schizophrenia-like disorders characterized by key symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations, anxiety and delusions while disorders of consciousness and orientation are lacking. The diagnostic entity of this disorder has been questioned. Recent findings indicate a high risk for rehospitalization and relapse but compared to other drug-induced disorders a low risk of schizophrenia-like course of the illness (5 % compared to 40-50 % with other drugs). Pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of alcohol-induced psychotic disorders are discussed.