Symptoms Preceding Substance Use refer to psychotic symptoms that began before substance use and persisted after cessation for at least one month.

Symptoms Preceding Substance Use refer to psychotic symptoms that began before substance use and persisted after cessation for at least one month.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough information
• D. It refers to mood symptoms preceding substance use

Answer: (A)

The key idea is distinguishing primary psychotic disorders from substance-induced psychosis using timing. If psychotic symptoms begin before any substance is used and then persist after stopping the substance for at least a month, this pattern argues against the substance as the sole cause. It indicates a non-substance, likely primary, psychotic disorder rather than a substance-induced one. If symptoms only occur during intoxication or withdrawal, or start after substance use and remit with abstinence, that would suggest substance-induced psychosis instead. Mood symptoms preceding substance use don’t describe this pattern of psychosis; they’re a different clinical picture. So the statement is true.

The key idea is distinguishing primary psychotic disorders from substance-induced psychosis using timing. If psychotic symptoms begin before any substance is used and then persist after stopping the substance for at least a month, this pattern argues against the substance as the sole cause. It indicates a non-substance, likely primary, psychotic disorder rather than a substance-induced one. If symptoms only occur during intoxication or withdrawal, or start after substance use and remit with abstinence, that would suggest substance-induced psychosis instead. Mood symptoms preceding substance use don’t describe this pattern of psychosis; they’re a different clinical picture. So the statement is true.