Psychiatric Comorbidity and Psychopathology of Methamphetamine Users—Are There Gender Differences?

Abstract

Methamphetamine use disorder is associated with severe psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial problems. Women seem to be more affected than men. Therefore, this study examined psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathology, drug use patterns, and treatment outcomes in women addicted to methamphetamine compared to men. Data on methamphetamine-dependent inpatients were collected in two centers specialized for addiction treatment at admission (T0) and discharge (T1, after treatment for 24 weeks). Sociodemographic and clinical measures were collected with the semi-structured clinical interview I at baseline; the self-reported standardized questionnaire (SCL-90-R) was administered at admission and discharge and after 24 weeks. During the entire treatment procedure, treatment relevant aspects were monitored. Out of all 108 treatment-seeking participants (86 men, 22 women), 64 completed the study (51 men, 13 women; drop-out rate: 40.7% (n = 44)). Methamphetamine-dependent women used other stimulants more often than men, while men used hallucinogens significantly more frequently than women. Female inpatients differed significantly from men in various sociodemographic variables (e.g., having children, single parenting) and were significantly more often affected by current (p < 0.001) and lifetime mental stress disorders (p < 0.001), as well as specific psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001) (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder). At discharge, mental symptoms decreased significantly in men but not in women. Both before and after treatment, women seem to be more vulnerable to psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathologic symptoms compared to men. Although this study only provides preliminary data on gender-specific characteristics of methamphetamine-dependent patients and their treatment, it seems appropriate to discuss the development of gender-specific treatment options. Further studies in this field are needed.

The predictive role of impulsivity and perceived social support in psychiatric symptoms of women with methamphetamine use disorder

“…This study found that female methamphetamine patients had more psychiatric symptoms than healthy controls, consistent with the findings of Zhao on male methamphetamine patients ( 56 ). In addition, compared with the results of Zhao on male patients with Meth use disorder, the women patients of our study had more and worse psychiatric symptoms, consistent with earlier research findings ( 12 ). Based on the statistics of ( Table 1 ), we inferred that even in remission, women Meth patients are more likely to experience somatization, anxiety, and pathological psychiatric symptoms than normal individuals.…”

“…This study found that female methamphetamine patients had more psychiatric symptoms than healthy controls, consistent with the findings of Zhao on male methamphetamine patients (56). In addition, compared with the results of Zhao on male patients with Meth use disorder, the women patients of our study had more and worse psychiatric symptoms, consistent with earlier research findings (12).…”

“…Previous studies have shown that: (1) people with substance use disorder have poorer mental status and a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than the norm ( 6 , 12 , 55 ) (2) people with high impulsivity in MA are more likely to suffer from MAP ( 19 , 20 ) (3) PSS, especially family, may reduce hostility in MA patients ( 42 – 45 ). In addition, one study found that social support may modulate genetic effects on MAP ( 8 ).…”

“…Studies have shown that in a quarter of cases, Meth patients experience psychiatric symptoms severe enough to require lifetime hospitalization ( 6 ). Notably, compared with men, women with methamphetamine use disorder experience more neuropsychiatric symptoms ( 12 ). Some studies have focused on the risk factors of MAP, revealing some potential factors responsible for MAP.…”

Treatment providers' perspectives on a gender-responsive approach in alcohol and drug treatment for women in Belgium

“…It is established that individual characteristics and treatment approaches can differentially affect outcomes by gender ( 10 , 11 ). Recent international research shows substantial progress in our understanding of the influence of gender on, for example, the epidemiology of substance use ( 12 , 13 ), and its relationship to treatment needs, treatment admission and utilization, and treatment outcomes and effectiveness ( 14 – 16 ).…”