Disulfiram-induced psychosis at a therapeutic dose and in clear sensorium: Two case demonstrations

The literature on disulfiram induced psychosis showed, it was either associated with delirium or preceded by a prescription of a higher dose. We report two cases of psychosis in clear sensorium developing in individuals with alcohol dependence without any familial loading following a short duration...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Abhishek Ghosh, Debasish Basu, C Pradeep, B N Subodh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2019-01-01
Series:Journal of Mental Health and Human Behaviour
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jmhhb.org/article.asp?issn=0971-8990;year=2019;volume=24;issue=1;spage=57;epage=59;aulast=Ghosh
Description
Summary:The literature on disulfiram induced psychosis showed, it was either associated with delirium or preceded by a prescription of a higher dose. We report two cases of psychosis in clear sensorium developing in individuals with alcohol dependence without any familial loading following a short duration of a therapeutic dose of disulfiram. Before the onset of psychosis, the patients were abstinent from alcohol for about a month, which made substance-induced psychosis unlikely. Psychosis resolved following discontinuation of disulfiram. Hence, the diagnosis of disulfiram-induced psychosis was considered. A plausible mechanism of such association has been discussed. Disulfiram-induced psychosis though unusual could be disruptive and severe. Close surveillance following disulfiram is important for early identification and management of such condition.
ISSN:0971-8990