[Hallucinogen induced psychic disorders. Subjective experiences, psychopathology and differential diagnosis]

The concepts of intoxication, intoxication psychosis, and drug-induced psychosis are frequently used to refer to psychopathological states caused by the intake of hallucinogenic substances. The considerable increase of intoxications with substances of the chemical class of amphetamines (in particular, "Ecstasy") in western countries should cause major concern. Moreover, the number of schizophrenic patients who also use hallucinogenic drugs is increasing. High incidence and comorbidity cause clinical problems and call for detailed knowledge of the drug related acute and chronic effects of the various agents currently in use. Clinical findings and subjective reports from research in experimental psychoses are used to discuss differential diagnosis and types of drug-induced mental disorders within the framework of present day classificatory systems, such as DSM-IV and ICD-10.