Phencyclidine abuse in New Orleans: medical, forensic, and laboratory aspects.

A one year study of phencyclidine abuse in New Orleans showed that 90% of the cases cannot be detected by routine laboratory methods. Fifty percent of all cases showed evidence of police intervention. Initial impressions covered a wide range of psychiatric and clinical diagnoses. Recurring psychiatric problems due to the presence of the drug would indicate observation for a period of at least 72 hours. Patterns of PCP abuse cross racial and ethnic boundaries and are found uniformly in all population groups.