Characteristics of freebase cocaine psychosis

Psychosis was present in 29 percent of cocaine disordered patients hospitalized in 1985 during an epidemic of freebase cocaine abuse in the Bahamas. Record reviews revealed that a variety of psychotic phenomenologic patterns were presented. Prior major mental disorders and increased dosage of cocaine were more common among psychotic than non psychotic patients. Violent behaviour was common among cocaine patients, especially those with psychosis. We conclude that freebase cocaine psychosis is neither rare nor benign. (AU)