Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder: a study of hospitalized patients in Lisbon

• Published in: European psychiatry Vol. 65; no. S1; pp. S119 - S120
• Main Authors: Nogueira, V., Pereira, I., Moreno, M., Teixeira, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Cambridge University Press 01-06-2022
• Subjects: Abstract; Alcohol; alcohol hallucinosis; alcohol-induced psychotic disorder; alcohol-withdrawal; anti-psychotic treatment; Comorbidity; Delirium; Hallucinations; Oral Communication; Psychosis
• ISSN: 0924-9338; 1778-3585
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.331

Introduction
While alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD) is a well-recognised clinical disorder, relativery little is known about aspects such as epidemiology, course and treatment of the condition. Current evidence suggests AIPD can be clinically distinguised from alcohol-withdrawal delirium and schizophrenia. AIPD is associated with high comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders, high re-hospitalization and mortality rate, namely suicidal behaviour.
Objectives
The objetive of the study was to examine the correlates, clinical features, psycopathology, and short-term response in an inpatient sample with alcohol-induced psychotic disorder, predominant hallucinations (ICD-10 F10.52) admitted to Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa.
Methods
We collected retrospectively data from all admitted patients to our Alcohol Unit between January 2010 and January 2020 with the diagnosis of AIPD. The exclusion criteria were: presence of preexisting psychotic disorder, delirium, or other substance use disorders. We characterized our sample in Demographic categories, Clinical categories, Treatment and Short-term course.
Results
A total of 113 subjects were included in the study. The prevalance of alcoholic hallucinosis was found to be 1.3% of all patients who received inpatient treatment. Most individuals reported auditory hallucinations, that iniciated when they decrease their alcohol intake, and 1 in 4 had past episodes of AIPD.
Conclusions
There are specific challenges in studiyng AIPD, such as the relatively rarity of the disorder, its often transient nature and high levels of comorbidity. A high degree of recurrence and morbidity indicates a need to prevent, and intervene early with an abstinent-oriented management goal.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.