The history of psychotic symptoms in alcoholics

Abstract

The history of psychotic symptomatology was reviewed in 220 consecutive male patients admitted to the San Diego Veterans Administration Center. Transient hallucinations and/or delusions were noted for 43% of the sample. A comparison of background variables in patients with and without histories of psychoses revealed that such symptoms are associated with less early life stability, higher levels of adult antisocial behavior, and a significant increase in use of most illegal drugs. The data indicated no association between a history of psychotic symptoms and a personal or familial history of schizophrenia.