Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder with hallucinations (alcoholic hallucinosis): A case series

Abstract

Alcohol-induced psychotic disorder with hallucination (alcoholic hallucinosis) occurs after long-term abuse of alcohol and is characterized by intermittent or continuous symptoms during a period of excessive alcohol consumption or immediately after that period. Symptoms commonly include hallucinations, mostly of the auditory type, and affective disturbances, in a background of clear consciousness. In this case series, four subjects with a history of chronic alcohol consumption were evaluated for hallucinatory symptoms after chronic alcohol intake. All of them had auditory hallucinations, with an anxious affect and no cognitive deficits. Only one case had visual hallucinations. The psychotic symptoms in all the patients were completely remitted with antipsychotics. Resumption of alcohol consumption increases the risk of relapse. The pathophysiology of alcoholic hallucinosis is not yet established and needs to be studied further for better diagnosis and management.