National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

What psychotic symptoms can a PCP high resemble?

1. Paranoia or anxiety

2. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

3. Schizophrenia or Alzheimer's

4. Severe depression

The correct answer is: Schizophrenia or Alzheimer's

A PCP (Phencyclidine) high can closely resemble symptoms typically associated with conditions such as schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease, particularly due to its dissociative effects. Individuals under the influence of PCP may experience severe alterations in perception, mood, and cognition, leading to hallucinations and delusions that are often observed in schizophrenia. Additionally, the cognitive impairments and disorientation that PCP can induce may be somewhat similar to the confusion and memory issues seen in Alzheimer’s. This similarity stems from the way PCP interacts with the brain, affecting neurotransmitter systems such as glutamate and dopamine, which are also implicated in the pathology of schizophrenia. The resulting psychotic experiences can challenge the ability to discern reality, mirroring the cognitive disruptions associated with both schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. While paranoia or anxiety can also occur in cases of PCP use, the striking resemblance to the more severe and chronic symptoms of schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s makes that option the best choice in this context.