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Pre-morbid characteristics and co-morbidity of methamphetamine users with and without psychosis

C K Chen1, S K Lin, P C Sham

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.

Psychological Medicine
|December 16, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methamphetamine (MAMP) psychosis risk increases with earlier and heavier use. Pre-existing schizoid/schizotypal traits may predispose users to psychosis, with greater vulnerability leading to longer-lasting symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Addiction Medicine

Background:

  • Long-term methamphetamine (MAMP) use can lead to psychosis, but individual susceptibility varies.
  • Factors influencing the development of MAMP-induced psychosis remain unclear.
  • This study investigates pre-morbid characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities in MAMP users with and without psychosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize methamphetamine users.
  • To examine the relationship between pre-morbid personality, social function, and psychiatric disorders and the development of MAMP psychosis.
  • To identify risk factors for MAMP-induced psychosis.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 445 amphetamine users from a psychiatric hospital and detention center in Taipei.
  • Assessed participants using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS).
  • Interviewed parents using Premorbid Schizoid and Schizotypal Traits (PSST) and Premorbid Social Adjustment (PSA) schedules to compare pre-morbid characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities between MAMP users with and without psychosis.

Main Results:

  • MAMP users with psychosis exhibited symptoms mimicking schizophrenia, including auditory hallucinations (85%), persecutory delusions (71%), and delusions of reference (63%).
  • Compared to non-psychotic users, those with psychosis were younger at first MAMP use, used larger MAMP amounts, and had higher mean PSST scores.
  • MAMP users with psychosis also showed higher rates of major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and antisocial personality disorder.

Conclusions:

  • Earlier and heavier methamphetamine use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis.
  • Pre-morbid schizoid/schizotypal personality traits appear to predispose MAMP users to psychosis.
  • Greater personality vulnerability may correlate with longer psychosis persistence.

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