Stimulant use disorders and psychosis: prevalence, correlates and impacts

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Predictors of Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis: A Comparison of Socio-Demographic Factors, Clinical Factors and Psychopathology with Acute Episode Schizophrenia

“…The results of our study showed that methamphetamine-associated psychosis was more strongly predicted in younger subjects, similar to the results of previous studies by (Vos et al, 2010;Thomas et al, 2016). Younger age of methamphetamine use predicted younger onset of psychosis in stimulant users (Sara, 2014). The prevalence of younger patients abusing methamphetamine tends to increase in Malaysia (Mohamed et al, 2008).…”

“…The findings reflect the ability of methamphetamine and amphetamine to induce psychosis in healthy people, even in the absence of genetic predisposition, by increasing dopamine levels in the brain through various mechanisms (Bramness et al, 2012). Methamphetamine inhibits the reuptake of dopamine by interacting with the dopamine transporter (DAT), interacts with the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), leading to an increase in dopamine concentration in the brain, which is directly linked to the "reward centre", leading to addiction and psychosis (Sara, 2014;Curran et al, 2004;MacKenzie, 2016). Many other studies have shown that family history of mental illness was higher in methamphetamine psychosis (Ardani & Nasab, 2015;Hides et al, 2015;MacKenzie, 2016), which is in contrast to this study.…”

“…Social learning theory provides a good explanation for the higher methamphetamine use among patients with a family history of substance dependence, even at a young age and with easy acquisition. The earlier the substance is used, the greater the risk of neurotoxic brain damage, making the patient vulnerable to developing methamphetamine-associated psychosis with a positive family history of drug dependence (Sara, 2014;Paul, 2011;Semple, 2011).…”