Psychosis during disulfiram therapy for alcoholism.

ABSTRACT

Fifty-two patients (51 males, one female) of alcohol dependence/abuse diagnosed according to DSM 111 R1 were registered for disulfiram treatment and were admitted for a 4-week period. No alcohol challenge test was given during their hospital stay. Disulfiram tablets were administered 250 mg twice daily after food. After one week's hospital stay with disulfiram therapy they were sent home to be followed up initially after 15 days and later on once a month. Six male patients developed psychotic symptoms. All of them had shown a mood disorder but no thought disorder was observed. Psychotic symptoms remitted completely after withdrawing disulfiram and then a short course of antipsychotic therapy was given, except in one patient who had to be given lithium for remission of symptoms.