Initial studies have indicated that stimulant abuse is prevalent among
schizophrenic persons. To assess the phenomenon of cocaine abuse by
patients with schizophrenia, 17 male cocaine-abusing schizophrenic patients
were compared with 22 male schizophrenic patients who did not use cocaine.
The cocaine-abusing subjects had been hospitalized more frequently, were
more likely to be of the paranoid subtype, and were more likely to be
depressed at the time of interview. It appears that cocaine abuse may
influence both the psychopathologic presentation of schizophrenic patients
and the intensity of care that they require.Abstract Teaser