F14.151

Clinical Causes: Prolonged use of cocaine, especially in high doses Repeated exposure to cocaine leading to neurochemical alterations Genetic predispositions influencing susceptibility to psychosis when using stimulants Underlying mental health disorders that may exacerbate symptoms Combination of substance abuse with stress or trauma

Key Symptoms: Hallucinations, often visual or auditory Paranoia or paranoid thoughts Delusional beliefs related to drug effects or perceived threats Restlessness and agitation Confusion or disorganized thinking Mood swings or emotional instability Difficulty distinguishing reality from hallucinations Potential physical symptoms such as elevated heart rate or blood pressure

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional, including a detailed history of substance use, mental health evaluation, and possible laboratory tests to detect recent cocaine use. Mental health assessments focus on identifying hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. It is essential to differentiate cocaine-induced psychosis from other primary psychotic disorders like schizophrenia to ensure accurate treatment planning.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment strategies generally encompass a combination of approaches aimed at managing both substance abuse and psychotic symptoms. These may include: - **Detoxification:** Supervised medical detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms as cocaine use is reduced or stopped. - **Psychotherapy:** Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address addiction behaviors and support mental health recovery. - **Medication:** Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed temporarily to control hallucinations and delusional thinking during the acute phase. - **Support groups:** Participation in addiction support groups to promote long-term abstinence. - **Monitoring:** Ongoing psychiatric evaluation to adjust treatment plans as needed and prevent recurrence. A multi-disciplinary approach involving addiction specialists, psychiatrists, and psychologists is often the most effective in managing this complex condition.