Substance Abuse and Schizophrenia Risk

A number of studies have looked at the relationship between schizophrenia and substance abuse. However, many contain various methodological limitations. Uncertainties, therefore, still exist.

A new investigation published in the journal Psychological Medicine has explored whether substance abuse is, in fact, linked to a greater risk of developing schizophrenia, taking into account the limitations of previous studies. It found that substance abuse increased the risk of schizophrenia with alcohol showing the strongest correlation. Hallucinogens, sedatives and other substances also increased the chance of developing schizophrenia. The risk was still found to be significant even after 10 – 15 years.

As such, the paper claims that ‘our results illustrate robust associations between almost any type of substance abuse and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.’

Click here to access the full article published in Psychological Medicine.