Cocaine-Induced Psychosis and Impulsivity in Cocaine-Dependent Patients

Abstract

Cocaine-dependent patients have high impulsiveness. Cocaine-induced psychosis is common among cocaine-dependent patients. Different risk factors associated with cocaine-induced psychosis have been reported. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between psychotic symptoms in cocaine-dependent patients and impulsivity and mental disorders characterized by impulsivity. This descriptive study included 287 outpatients with cocaine dependence according to the DSM-IV-TR criteria. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I and II, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and a specific questionnaire on the presence of cocaine-induced psychosis were used to assess patients. Symptoms were observed in 59.9% of the study population. Total and cognitive impulsiveness scores obtained from the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were significantly higher in patients with cocaine-induced psychosis. Individuals from this group reported more overdose incidents, initiated more treatments during their lifetime, and had a significantly greater prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients with cocaine-induced psychosis have a greater degree of impulsivity and a higher prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Thus, if these disorders are observed in cocaine-dependent participants, the presence of psychotic symptoms should be evaluated to prevent further occurrence and their consequences.

KEYWORDS:

• Impulsivity
• cocaine dependence
• cocaine
• cocaine induced psychosis
• psychosis
• psychotic symptoms
• BIS
• ADHD

Acknowledgments

Supported by a grant from the Departament de Salut, Government of Catalonia, Spain, for studying cocaine dependence, and Grant FIS EC07/90713 of the Instituto Carlos III of the Spanish government “Eficacia de la cafeína en el mantenimiento de la dependencia de la cocaína.”

The authors thank members of their research team for their support, Laia Miquel, Nieves Martínez-Luna, Ángel Egido, Elena Ros-Cucurull, and Joan Alvarós, as well as members of their psychology research team, Susana Gómez-Baeza, Sonia Fuentes, and Yasmina Pallarés.