Psychiatria pre prax 6/2008

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Epidemiological studies found that patients with schizophrenia are 3 times more likely to have substance use disorders than persons without mental illness. Substance abuse in schizophrenia increased positive symptoms, agressivity, suicidality, number of relapses and rehospitalisations, and poorer treatment compliance. In particular, cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine and alcohol has been reported to be with psychotogenic effect in schizophrenia. To date, the efficacy of the first generation antipsychotics in the treatment of substance abuse have been mixed. On the contrary, certain second generation antipsychotics seem to be particularly promising.

Keywords: schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, epidemiology, antipsychotics