Lifelong Learning: Rates and Predictors of Conversion to Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Following Substance-Induced Psychosis-View Article

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A recent study investigated the rates of conversion to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder after a substance-induced psychosis, as well as the risk factors for conversion. The study population included all individuals in Denmark who received a diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis between 1994 and 2014. The study found that 32.2% of patients with a substance-induced psychosis later converted to either bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The highest conversion rate was found for cannabis-induced psychosis, with 47.4% converting to either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Young age was associated with a higher risk of converting to schizophrenia. Self-harm after a substance-induced psychosis was significantly linked to a higher risk of converting to both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Half of the cases of conversion to schizophrenia occurred within 3.1 years after a substance-induced psychosis, while half of the cases of conversion to bipolar disorder occurred within 4.4 years. Overall, substance-induced psychosis is strongly associated with the development of severe mental illness, and a long follow-up period is needed to identify the majority of cases. This study suggests that all individuals with a substance-induced psychosis should be offered follow-up to monitor their risk of conversion to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Keywords

schizophrenia

bipolar disorder

substance-induced psychosis

conversion rates

risk factors

Denmark

cannabis-induced psychosis

young age

self-harm

follow-up period