Methamphetamine dependence with and without psychotic symptoms: A multi-modal brain imaging study

Abstract

ObjectiveMethamphetamine dependence can lead to psychotic symptoms which may be mediated by frontal, striatal, limbic, and thalamic regions. There are few neuroimaging data that allow comparison of individuals with methamphetamine dependence who do, and do not, have psychosis. Two complementary imaging techniques were employed to investigate neurocircuitry associated with methamphetamine dependence with and without psychotic symptoms.MethodsThree groups of participants were recruited: methamphetamine dependent (MAA) (N = 11), methamphetamine dependent with psychotic symptoms (MAP) (N = 14), and controls (N = 14). Resting brain glucose metabolism was measured using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebral perfusion was assessed using arterial spin labelling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsMethamphetamine abusers (MAA and MAP groups) had decreased glucose metabolism compared to healthy controls in the left insula, left precentral gyrus, and the anterior cingulate cortex. Compared to MAA participants, MAP participants had 1) decreased glucose metabolism in the left precentral gyrus and the left inferior frontal gyrus and 2) increased glucose metabolism in the putamen and pallidum. MAP participants also had increased cerebral perfusion in the right putamen and right pallidum compared to MAA.ConclusionFindings support the involvement of frontal, striatal, and limbic regions in methamphetamine dependence. Furthermore, they indicate that glucose metabolism and cerebral perfusion in these regions are disrupted in methamphetamine dependent individuals with psychotic symptoms.

Differences in the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation between methamphetamine and heroin use disorder individuals: A resting‐state fMRI study

“…The results from the ALFF analysis are in line with previous findings about methamphetamine addiction and indicate that the frontal lobes and thalamus were changed, possibly due to decreased blood flow and metabolism in these areas (Hsieh et al., 2014; Vuletic et al., 2018). Deficits in frontal lobe structure have been widely reported in MA users (London, Kohno, Morales, & Ballard, 2015).…”

“…Neuroimaging provides a reliable technical means for studying the neurobiological mechanism of MAP. In vivo human studies using positron emission tomography (PET) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging, researchers found changes in the parameters of glucose metabolism and cerebral perfusion in the frontal, striatal, and limbic regions of MAUD and psychotic individuals (Vuletic et al., 2018). There are, however, no resting‐state functional MRI data that reveal the neurocircuitry underling MAP.…”

Methamphetamine deaths: Changing trends and diagnostic issues

“…44 It is known that methamphetamine reduces the density of dopamine and serotonin receptors, as well as D 2 receptors and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 within the brain. 45 Striatal and thalamic glucose metabolism are also altered, with some studies reporting a decrease of glucose metabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex. 45 Some areas of the brain shrink by approximately 10%, particularly in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex and the insula.…”

“…45 Striatal and thalamic glucose metabolism are also altered, with some studies reporting a decrease of glucose metabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex. 45 Some areas of the brain shrink by approximately 10%, particularly in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex and the insula. 1 Enlarged striatal volume has been recorded in some instances.…”

Methamphetamine‐associated psychosis: Clinical presentation, biological basis, and treatment options

“…A multimodal brain imaging study observed that methamphetamine users (MAP and nonpsychotic methamphetamine user groups) demonstrated decreased glucose metabolism in the left insula, left precentral gyrus, and the anterior cingulate cortex when compared with healthy controls (Vuletic et al, ). Moreover, participants in the MAP group demonstrated decreased glucose metabolism in the left precentral gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus and both increased glucose metabolism and cerebral perfusion in the putamen and pallidum.…”