Both drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can cause similar symptoms. However, drug-induced psychosis only occurs from drug use, whereas schizophrenia can have several different causes.Drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia can both cause delusions and hallucinations. However, this is typically where the similarities end.The two conditions have different causes and occur for different durations. For example, drug-induced psychosis may only last a few hours following drug intake, whereas a person must exhibit schizophrenia symptoms for 6 months or more for a full diagnosis.This article summarizes the main differences between drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia and discusses their causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. It will also detail the treatment and outlook for both conditions. Key differencesAccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR), there are several key differences between schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis. The table below outlines them.SchizophreniaDrug-induced psychosisWhat are the symptoms?Schizophrenia must include delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech. They may also include disorganized behavior and catatonic behavior.Drug-induced psychosis must include delusions or hallucinations.What are the causes?Genetic and environmental factors. Drug-induced psychosis can also transition into schizophrenia.Taking drugs, such as cannabis, hallucinogens, and amphetamines.How long can it last?Symptoms must affect a person for at least 6 months before they can receive a diagnosis. People can experience recovery periods that last for years, but typically it is a chronic condition.The acute phase may only last a few hours. However, symptoms can persist for several weeks.How do doctors treat it?Antipsychotic medications can help with the acute phase. They can also be useful in the longer term, alongside nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).Antipsychotic medications help manage the acute phase. Doctors may then try to address the underlying cause of the drug use.CausesResearch from 2021 states that drug-induced psychosis refers to a psychotic episode from the misuse of or withdrawal from a drug.The authors write that it may also have links to:higher levels of dopaminethe severity of drug misuse and dependencemisusing more than one drugThe DSM-5-TR defines substance-induced psychotic disorder as a psychiatric disease that features delusions, hallucinations, or both during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal. Furthermore, health experts are yet to fully understand the symptoms of a psychotic disorder that do not relate to substance use.Authors of a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis write that drug-induced psychosis can lead to long-term experiences of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. They note that research suggests a person is at significant risk of transitioning from drug-induced psychosis to long-term illness if they take cannabis, hallucinogens, or amphetamines. However, this transition may be less frequent in opioids, alcohol, and sedative use.Not all drug use leads to drug-induced psychosis. Scientists remain unsure about why some drug use leads to these episodes. However, research has shown that several different drugs are able to cause them.These include:cannabishallucinogensamphetaminesalcohol withdrawalsedatives withdrawalCauses of psychosisThe National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) writes that there is no one cause for psychosis.It may be a symptom of a mental health condition such as schizophrenia.Other causes include:sleep deprivationsome prescription medicationsalcohol misusecannabisCauses of schizophreniaOverall, scientists are uncertain about the exact causes of schizophrenia. However, possible causes include having multiple issues within the brain's neurotransmitters, which may sometimes have a genetic basis.Scientists have also identified environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. These include:atypical fetal developmentgestational diabeteslow birth weighthaving a complicated birth, such as the mother having an infection during pregnancymaternal malnutritionbeing born in the winterliving in an urban environmentSymptomsThe DSM-5-TR lists the symptoms of drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia. Symptoms of drug-induced psychosis include delusions and hallucinations.The following are symptoms of drug-induced schizophrenia:delusionshallucinationsdisorganized speech, which may be unfocused or incoherenthighly disorganized or catatonic behaviordiminished emotional expression or lack of motivationDiagnosisThe DSM-5-TR states that doctors and psychiatrists must consider several different factors to diagnose drug-induced psychosis and schizophrenia.To diagnose an individual with drug-induced psychosis, medical professionals must be confident of the following criteria:the individual has at least one symptom of drug-induced psychosisthe symptoms must have begun during or just after drug use or during drug withdrawalthe symptoms are not the result of a different psychotic disorderthe symptoms persist even when the individual is not intoxicated the symptoms cause significant problems with the individual's work or social functioningTo diagnose an individual with schizophrenia, medical professionals must be confident of the following criteria:for at least 1 month, the individual has at least two schizophrenia symptomsfor at least 1 month, one of those symptoms must be delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speechthe symptoms cause significant problems with the individual's work, social functioning, or ability to self-carethe symptoms do not indicate conditions such as schizoaffective disorder, depression, or bipolar disorderthe symptoms are not the direct result of drug usethe individual has some negative symptoms, such as a diminished emotional expression or lack of motivationIn autistic people or those with childhood communication disorders, schizophrenia diagnoses are more complicated. Healthcare professionals must make sure that the individual has experienced severe delusions or hallucinations for at least 1 month.Treatment and managementAccording to a 2022 review, doctors mainly treat drug-induced psychosis with antipsychotic medications. These medications help manage the symptoms during the acute phase of this condition.After the acute phase has passed, doctors will attempt to address the underlying cause. With drug-induced psychosis, drug intoxication might have played a role.However, treatment for schizophrenia is very complex. Research has shown that certain oral antipsychotic medications can help with the acute phase of the condition.After an acute phase of schizophrenia, doctors typically recommend antipsychotics in the form of a slow-acting injection. This can help the individual avoid symptom relapse and maintain their treatment.Nonpharmacological interventions are also useful and might include art therapy, drama therapy, or CBT. A person should also get support while they gradually reenter their community.OutlookThe outlook for people with schizophrenia varies greatly.Certain factors can make it harder for individuals to manage their condition. These include:a slow, gradual disease onsetthe disease beginning during childhood or adolescencean impaired ability to think However, other factors can make it easier for people to manage their condition:acute disease onsetbeing femaleliving in a developed countrySchizophrenia can severely disrupt someone's personal and professional life. It can also lead to suicidal ideation. In people with this condition, the most common cause of premature death is suicide.According to 2019 research, between 24% and 32% of people with drug-induced psychosis may go on to develop other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia spectrum disorder. This risk is highest in people whose drug-induced psychosis came from cannabis use.Overall, the outlook for people with drug-induced psychosis is uncertain. A 2021 study notes there is very little data on the treatment, outcome, and clinical best practices regarding drug-induced psychosis.Help is out thereIf you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.SummarySchizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis are conditions that can both lead to delusions and hallucinations. However, they are not the same.Schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis have different symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatments.There is a lack of research on how to treat and manage drug-induced psychosis, but common treatments include antipsychotic medications.
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