Metamphetamine Psychosis: How is it Related to Schizophrenia? A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background. There is a body of literature on metamphetamine psychosis dating back to the 1950's with a recent resurgence of interest following increase in use worldwide. Distinct similarities appear to exist between metamphetamine psychosis and schizophrenia.Aims. The aim of this paper is to critically review the literature on metamphetamine psychosis.Method. Searches on Medline, Psycinfo and Cochrane were undertaken, references were followed and recent editions of major journals reviewed. There is a vast array of literature on stimulants and psychosis. I have deliberately limited my data to that on metamphetamines, only citing other data if particularly well known and relevant to distinguish. Data in Japanese has been quoted with reference to where cited.Results. Metamphetamine psychosis has been observed as a paranoid hallucinatory state developing gradually with repeated metamphetamine abuse and possibly continueing after metamphetamine withdrawal. Also noted is a lasting susceptibility to recurrence of the paranoid hallucinatory state with neuroleptics preventing this recurrence. Patients with persistent metamphetamine psychosis can develop long lasting residual symptoms resembling negative symptoms of schizophrenia.In animals intermittent administration of smaller doses of metamphetamine appears to lead to augmentation of behaviour, and increases in dopamine and seretonin levels. Also it appears that a challenge injection or stress can cause the same responses, which are inhibited by dopamine antagonists. Larger repeated doses of metamphetamine appear to lead to long lasting depletion of dopamine and seretonin.Conclusions and clinical importance. There are clear clinical similarities between metamphetamine psychosis and schizophrenia altered in both conditions with the use of antipsychotics. A major as yet unanswered question is whether metamphetamine can cause schizophrenia.The literature describes a number of changes in dopamine and seretonin systems. More research in this field could increase our understanding of transmitters and receptors, thereby helping our quest in improved drug development for both illnesses.Declaration of interest. Nil.

Drug-Induced Psychosis Associated with Crystalline Methamphetamine

“…Individuals with previous methamphetamine psychosis appear to have an ongoing vulnerability to further episodes of psychosis with further exposure to methamphetamine or stress. Neuroleptics appear to prevent such a recur-rence 9 . There are also reports of patients with persistent methamphetamine psychosis developing longlasting residual symptoms resembling the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, including emotional blunting and volitional disturbances 9 …”

“…Neuroleptics appear to prevent such a recurrence. 9 There are also reports of patients with persistent methamphetamine psychosis developing longlasting residual symptoms resembling the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, including emotional blunting and volitional disturbances. 9…”

Treatment for amphetamine psychosis

“…Patients with acute amphetamine psychosis seen in the emergency departments are typically treated with antipsychotics and/or benzodiazepine medications to reduce symptoms of psychosis, to minimize side e ects and to contain behavioral agitation (McIver 2006). There is a suggestion that neuroleptics may help to prevent recurrence of amphetamine psychosis (Sweeting 2005), though this implication is not based on controlled data. About 5-15% of the users who develop an amphetamine psychosis fail to recover completely .…”

Crystal Clear: Metal–Organic Frameworks Pioneering the Path to Future Drug Detox

“…However, the effects are similar and include hypertension, sleep problems, headaches, anxiety, arrhythmia, paranoia, loss of appetite, and aggression. , The force and nature of the effects of mAMP are reflected in the so-called postmethamphetamine psychosis. This is a state of hallucinations, mood disturbance, or irritability occurring even up to several days after taking mAMP . Another substance from the amphetamine group is MDMA (Figure A), which is often referred to as a “party drug” due to its psychoactive properties, such as feelings of euphoria and increased energy, which can be attractive in party and club settings.…”