The history of psychotic symptoms in alcoholics

The history of psychotic symptomatology was reviewed in 220 consecutive male patients admitted to the San Diego Veterans Administration Center. Transient hallucinations and/or delusions were noted for 43% of the sample. A comparison of background variables in patients with and without histories of psychoses revealed that such symptoms are associated with less early life stability, higher levels of adult antisocial behavior, and a significant increase in use of most illegal drugs. The data indicated no association between a history of psychotic symptoms and a personal or familial history of schizophrenia.