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Withdrawal psychosis: a study of 30 consecutive cases
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|February 1, 1976
Summary
Withdrawal psychosis, particularly from benzodiazepines, can manifest late, even after 14 days. This study highlights the risks of abrupt cessation, even from therapeutic doses, in drug and alcohol withdrawal.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Withdrawal psychosis is a serious condition requiring careful management.
- Understanding the specific triggers and timelines is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A study of 30 patients with withdrawal psychosis (1972-1975) revealed distinct gender patterns: women predominated in drug withdrawal psychosis, while men were more common in alcohol withdrawal psychosis.
- Abrupt cessation of substances often occurred during hospitalization, frequently linked to surgical cases or acute drug intoxication.
- Some patients denied substance abuse, and pre-delirium treatment was often inadequate or involved neuroleptics.
Findings:
- Withdrawal psychosis can emerge as late as the 14th day of the withdrawal phase, particularly with benzodiazepines and d-propoxyphene.
- Abrupt cessation of long-term, therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines can precipitate withdrawal psychosis.
Implications:
- This research underscores the importance of monitoring patients for delayed onset of withdrawal psychosis.
- Clinicians should consider the potential for psychosis even after prolonged "therapeutic" benzodiazepine use.
- Further research into the pathogenetic factors of withdrawal psychosis is warranted.