Self-medication with Datura seeds in a case of schizophrenia

ABSTRACT Self-medication with substances of abuse is common in patients with schizophrenia. Datura stramonium is a well-known hallucinogen and medicinal plant, which commonly grows in the Indian subcontinent. While cases of Datura poisoning and substance abuse are documented, the use of Datura seeds in patients with psychosis and schizophrenia has been rarely reported. We present a case of schizophrenia who was self-medicating with Datura seeds to alleviate his psychotic symptoms, followed by a discussion of the management approach.