[Increasing prevalence of amphetamine--and methamphetamine-induced psychosis]

With changed consumer behaviour in the drug scene the psychiatric complications with the derivates of amphetamine increase. In some regions methamphetamin is particularly common. Flashbacks, which can be triggered by psychosocial stress, as well as the age of the usually young patients lead to the differential diagnosis of schizophrenia.

During the observation period 1998 - 2000 the diagnostic distributions and the psychosocial base data of all patients admitted to the BKH Bayreuth with the clinical picture of a paranoid psychosis, were examined regarding an increase of drug-induced psychosis.

Both the number of the treated patients with chronic dependence on methamphetamine as well as acute admissions of patients with drug-induced psychosis increased. Differences to patients diagnosed a schizophrenia could be shown.

With the further increasing abuse of stimulants like methamphetamine the number of patients with induced psychosis will escalate. Specific settings for treatment will be required to address the addiction as well as the psychosis.