Substance-Induced Psychosis: Who Stays on Antipsychotics Long-Term?
May 1, 2026 DOI: 10.64239/pi-qt8605 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Population | People with substance-induced psychosis |
|---|---|
| Duration | Three years |
| Key points | About 20% of substance-induced psychosis cases remained on antipsychotics at three years, and up to one-third convert to a primary psychotic disorder within the first year, with antipsychotic use reaching 75% after conversion. Younger age, female sex, mood disorder or ADHD, and long-term sick leave or disability predict higher antipsychotic continuation. |
Abstract
Despite its theoretically self-limiting nature, 20% of substance-induced psychosis cases remained on antipsychotics at three years. Up to one-third convert to a primary psychotic disorder within year one; post-conversion antipsychotic use reaches 75%. Younger age, female sex, mood disorder or ADHD, and log-term sick leave or disability predict higher antipsychotic continuation rates in substance-induced psychosis. Clinicians should not assume substance-induced psychosis is always short-lived. Assess periodically for prolonged antipsychotic need in patients with psychiatric comorbidity or cannabis/multi-substance-induced psychosis, and monitor for diagnostic conversion.