# Brief psychotic disorder related to areca nut use: a case report

## TL;DR

A case report shows that increased betel nut use can trigger brief psychotic disorder, with symptoms resolving when use is stopped.

## Contribution

This case report adds evidence linking increased betel nut consumption to acute psychotic symptoms.

## Key findings

- A 30-year-old man developed psychotic symptoms after increasing betel nut use.
- Symptoms resolved with antipsychotic treatment and discontinuation of betel nut.
- Recurrence occurred upon resuming betel nut, highlighting its role in triggering psychosis.

## Abstract

Areca Nut (AN) is the fourth most commonly abused drug after nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine, due to its psychoactive properties provided by bioactive substances. Although previous studies have demonstrated AN’s anxiolytic-like activity and potential benefits in ameliorating symptoms of depression and schizophrenia, there remains limited awareness regarding its association with brief psychotic disorder.

This case report presents the clinical profile of a 30-year-old male patient with a history of betel nut chewing for the past 2 years, who exhibited sudden onset delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech and behavior upon increasing the dosage of betel nut consumption. The patient displayed a positive response to antipsychotic treatment, and symptoms resolved upon discontinuation of betel nut consumption. However, one month after discharge, the patient experienced a recurrence of auditory hallucinations upon resuming betel nut chewing. Through counseling and support, the importance of abstaining from betel nut use and maintaining medication compliance was emphasized, resulting in no recurrence of psychotic symptoms during the six-month follow-up.

This case report highlights the related role of betel nut with brief psychotic disorder, especially when the chewing dosage is abruptly increased. It underscores the importance of considering betel nut as a potential precipitant related to acute psychiatric disorders in clinical settings.