Psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions for methamphetamine addiction: protocol for a scoping review of the literature

Abstract

Background Methamphetamine use and harms are rising rapidly. Management of patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) and problematic methamphetamine use (PMU) is challenging, with no clearly established best approach; both psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions have been described. Furthermore, given the diversity of individuals that use methamphetamines, there is a need to assess evidence for treatments for subgroups including youths; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; individuals with mental health comorbidities; and individuals in correction services. Establishing awareness of the messages regarding treatment from recent clinical practice guidelines (CPG) in the field is also of value. The first study objective will be to establish a greater understanding of the methods, populations, and findings of controlled studies for psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments for MUD and PMU. Investigation of this information can help establish the potential for advanced syntheses of the evidence (such as network meta-analysis) to compare therapies for this condition and to identify gaps related to key populations where more primary research is needed. Summarizing the recommendations regarding treatment of MUD/PMU from recent CPGs and systematic reviews will be an important secondary objective. Methods A scoping review will be performed. Using the OVID platform, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and relevant Cochrane databases from EBM Reviews will be searched (from databases’ inception onwards). Eligibility criteria will include individuals described as having MUD or PMU, with designs of interest including randomized trials, non-randomized trials, and controlled cohort studies with three or more months of follow-up; systematic reviews and CPGs will also be sought. Two reviewers (with support from automation tools) will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and chart data. Different approaches to handling and summarizing the data will be implemented for each type of study design. Tables and graphics will be used to map evidence sources and identify evidence gaps. Discussion This research will enhance awareness of evidence addressing the effects of psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions for MUD/PMU overall and in sub-populations, both in terms of recent CPGs/reviews and primary studies; inspection of the latter will also help establish the feasibility of future syntheses to compare treatments, such as network meta-analysis. Systematic review protocol registration Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/9wy8p)

Psychosocial Interventions for Amphetamine Type Stimulant Use Disorder: An Overview of Systematic Reviews

“…There is considerable heterogeneity among primary studies in the quality of evidence and this crucial element has not been adequately considered in some systematic reviews. A further complication is that protocols for interventions are continuing to emerge (38) and are applied in ATS programs. The increasing number of studies, controversies around divergent results, and little systematic meta-synthesis produce a situation where it is difficult for clinicians, policymakers and program planners to discern what therapies and treatment environments are beneficial.…”

Correlation between loneliness, personality traits, and treatment outcomes in patients with methamphetamine use disorder

“…Those who had methamphetamine abuse were more likely to have domestic violence toward their intimate partners 6 , intentional self-inflicted injury or internal assaults 7 , and increased annual hospital costs 8 . Problematic methamphetamine use is less well defined, but methamphetamine use disorder is defined as “a pattern of amphetamine-type substance use leading to clinical significant impairment or distress when at least two of 11 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition, DSM-5) within a 12-month period” including a longer period or a larger amount consumption then intended, cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal 9 . Up to date, there is still no effective pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence 10 .…”

Guidance for using artificial intelligence for title and abstract screening while conducting knowledge syntheses

“…In addition to the above retrospective investigation, since adoption of DistillerSR®‘s AML features as part of the workflow within the research unit of team members CH and BH, the strategies described in this guidance were assessed in terms of their benefits and challenges in the context of recent knowledge syntheses related to the benefits of different primary care models for long-term care homes [ 39 , 40 ], interventions to manage chronic pain in those with comorbid mental health conditions [ 41 ], interventions to reduce the risk of acute pain transitioning to chronic pain [ 41 ], the health effects of cannabis consumed by older adults [ 42 ], and interventions for management of methamphetamine disorder [ 43 ]; we provide additional information regarding these reviews in Additional file 1 to provide context for readers. Authors CH and BH have overseen the implementation of AML in these reviews, monitored their benefits and challenges, and continually refined their approach.…”