Substance Abuse and Psychosis

: This article reviews the literature for the most pressing diagnostic and treatment challenges faced in working with adolescents. Diagnosing the treatment interventions required for this population involve psychoeducation, engagement of the patient and family in the treatment process, and use of antipsychotic medications. Cannabis may be a causal risk factor in psychotic illness, and data support recommendations to reduce or cease cannabis use in this population. Treatment strategies are discussed that are effective in adult patients and that may be efficacious for youth to abstain from substances after the resolution of psychotic symptoms.