Methamphetamine and Paranoia: The Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire

Abstract

Paranoia in methamphetamine (MA) users is not well characterized or understood. To investigate this phenomenon, we created the Methamphetamine Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), and tested its reliability and validity in assessing MA-induced paranoia. METHODS: We administered the MEQ to 274 MA-dependent subjects. RESULTS: 45% (123) subjects first experienced paranoia with MA use; 55% did not. Obtaining or using a weapon while paranoid was common (37% and 11% of subjects with MA-induced paranoia, respectively). Test-retest and inter-rater reliability for MA-induced paranoia showed substantial agreement (kappa = 0.77, p < 0.05 and kappa = 0.80, p < 0.05, respectively). First episodes of paranoia occurred more often with intravenous use of MA, and subsequent episodes at higher doses. There was modest correlation between paranoia on the MEQ and the BSI paranoid ideation scale (rho = 0.27, p < 0.05). As expected, there was a poor correlation between paranoia on the MEQ and the BSI depression scale (rho = 0.14, p = 0.07). The MEQ provides useful information on drug use variables that contribute to paranoia commonly associated with MA use.

Clinical features of methamphetamine-induced paranoia and preliminary genetic association withDBH-1021C→T in a Thai treatment cohort

“…The effects of dependence on other substances (e.g., alcohol, nicotine) on MIP are consistent with previous findings (7, 12, 13). In addition, the low-activity T-allele and TT/CT genotypes were associated with cigarette-smoking initiation, while appearing statistically protective towards alcohol dependence and long-term MA use.…”

“…The effect of severity of MA dependence (DSM symptom count) on MIP is consistent with previous findings (7, 12, 13). While other measures of MA use were also associated with MIP in initial analyses, they did not survive the logistic regression analysis (except for a trend association between MIP and “fewer” episodes of MA use in last year, consistent with the aversive effect of drug-induced paranoia in previous studies) (6, 55).…”

Randomized controlled trial of aripiprazole versus risperidone for the treatment of amphetamine-induced psychosis

“…Previous studies have examined the prevalence of amphetamine-induced psychotic disorder among MA abusers and have reported a lifetime prevalence of between 12.7 and 23% for this disorder (9,10). One study reported a lifetime prevalence of 63% for hallucinations and 38% for paranoia among MA abusers (11) while another reported that 45% experienced their first episode of paranoia while using MA (12). Caton et al reported that 25% of those with a baseline DSM-IV diagnosis of substance-induced psychosis had a diagnosis of primary psychosis at one-year follow-up.…”

Factors Influencing the Use of Methamphetamine by Dental Patients in the United States

“…Another 247 participant study of methamphetamine dependent individuals found that 45% of participants experienced their first episode of paranoia while using the drug. 21,22 Salo et al study also found that participants reported a significant number of lifetime mood disorders (32.3%) such as depression and anxiety. 20 Moreover, previous research has highlighted the comorbid nature of methamphetamine and mood disorders.…”