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01-03-2012 | Original Paper

Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder: brain perfusion and psychopathology—before and after anti-psychotic treatment

Authors: Gerhard P. Jordaan, James M. Warwick, Daan G. Nel, Richard Hewlett, Robin Emsley

Published in: Metabolic Brain Disease | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD) also known as alcohol hallucinosis is a rare complication of alcohol abuse. The pathogenesis and treatment of AIPD are still unclear. Few prospective treatment studies are available but case reports generally suggest that anti-psychotic treatment is effective. Brain imaging changes in relation to treatment response have also not been studied except for case reports. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anti-psychotic treatment on psychopathology and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with AIPD before and after 6 weeks of treatment. Nineteen patients with AIPD were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) before and after 6-weeks of open-label treatment with a fixed dose of haloperidol (5 mg/day). Highly significant improvements were noted on the positive, general and total scores of the PANSS. Post-treatment increased rCBF to the left caudate and left frontal lobe was noted. Changes in frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, thalamic and cerebellar rCBF showed significant negative correlations with the degree of symptom improvement, suggesting dysfunction of these areas in AIPD. Psychopathological and rCBF findings suggest reversible generalised cerebral dysfunction in AIPD.

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Title: Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder: brain perfusion and psychopathology—before and after anti-psychotic treatment
Authors: Gerhard P. Jordaan
James M. Warwick
Daan G. Nel
Richard Hewlett
Robin Emsley
Publication date: 01-03-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Metabolic Brain Disease / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0885-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7365
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-011-9273-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder: brain perfusion and psychopathology—before and after anti-psychotic treatment

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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