What are Substance Induced Psychotic Disorders (SIPDs)?
This refers to the development of mental symptoms as the result of using substances. Such as hallucinations which can be seeing or hearing things that are not there.
What substances can cause SIPDs?
Any substance can cause various mental problems, but the most common culprits are cannabis (dagga) and stimulants such as tik and alcohol.
When does the SIPD appear?
•Psychotic symptoms can appear during intoxication, i.e. while the person is using the substance and stop afterwards.
For example, someone using hallucinogens such as LSD are likely to have visual hallucinations (seeing things or people that are not there);
•During withdrawal from a substance, e.g. heavy alcohol users may have derogatory auditory hallucinations (hearing voices that are not real criticising them) when withdrawing from alcohol;
•After using the substance – here there are two types of psychosis:
short-term psychosis, which requires medication but then ends within a month and the onset of a lifelong chronic psychotic illness such as schizophrenia is triggered.
Who can suffer from SIPDs?
The short answer to this is, anyone who uses mood and mind altering substances, even once.
Factors that heighten the risk of SIPDs are those with a predisposition/family history of mental illness, chronic users and adolescents, especially those using cannabis before the age of 18.
Treatment should be sought immediately when any psychotic symptoms appear.
Treatment will include anti-psychotic medication and counselling. If the psychosis is the start of a chronic psychotic illness, the treatment will most likely be lifelong.
¦If you, or someone you know need help with SIPDs or any alcohol or drug-related issues, please don’t hesitate to call the Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre Atlantis on 021 571 7180 or info@drugcentre.org.za.
