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While alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD) is well recognised, relatively little is known about the condition. We undertook a review of the literature to identify studies on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, underlying neurobiology and treatment of AIPD. Few prospective studies have been conducted on AIPD. Recent advances have focussed on epidemiological, phenomenological, neuro-imaging, treatment and outcome issues. Current evidence suggests AIPD can be clinically distinguished from alcohol-withdrawal delirium and schizophrenia. The disorder may be more common than previously recognised depending on the inclusion criteria applied. AIPD is associated with high co-morbidity with other psychiatric disorders, high re-hospitalization and mortality rates and suicidal behaviour. Concurrent dysregulation of several neurotransmitter systems may be involved in the pathogenesis of hallucinations in alcohol dependence, and neuro-imaging studies suggest perfusion abnormalities to various brain regions. Antipsychotic treatment remains the preferred treatment for AIPD. The prognosis appears less favourable than previously believed, yet usually good when abstinence can be maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the prevalence and in particular the outcome of alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD). Data from hospital statistics of the BARMER GEK, one of the major health insurance companies in Germany, show a low overall prevalence of AIPD. An analysis of readmission rates for patients hospitalized for AIPD in 2005 ( N = 462) and 2006 ( N = 404) for the period up to 2010 revealed very high readmission rates. Only a minority of patients were without relapse [144 (31.2 %) of the 2005 sample; 152 (37.6 %) of the 2006 sample]. Thus, AIPD appears to be a rare complication of the alcohol use disorder but to have an extremely high rehospitalization rate, probably indicating a more chronic course and worse prognosis than previously thought. More follow-up studies are needed to elucidate this syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Previous studies showed that patients with acute alcohol hallucinosis had significantly lower levels of the inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter, glycine. Methods A placebo-controlled, double-blind study of glycine in 40 patients with acute alcohol hallucinosis. Treatment duration was 7 days with no other psychotropic medication. Results The 20 patients randomised to the active drug (700 mg glycine sublingually) demonstrated a significant decrease in severity of hallucinosis compared to the 20 patients receiving placebo. Conclusion The positive effects of glycine may be related to an altered balance between excitatory and inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]