The PCP Epidemic: A Critical Review

Abstract

The scientific literature on PCP (phencyclidine) was reviewed with a view to determining whether or not current knowledge coincides with the picture of PCP presented by the popular media. The media portray PCP as an insidious drug whose use has reached almost epidemic proportions among American youth. Serious adverse reactions, including psychosis and violent behavior, are seen as common if not inevitable consequences of use. The literature indicates that this picture of PCP is not justified. Both the prevalence of use and the relative frequency of severe adverse effects appear to have been overstated by the media.