Khat use and mental illness: a critical review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Social Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Khat (Catha edulis) is a stimulant plant with a long history of use in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
• Contemporary khat use among migrant communities in Europe raises concerns among policymakers and healthcare professionals.
• Debate in the UK over khat's psychiatric and social effects has prompted calls for stricter legal controls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of khat use.
• To review evidence linking khat use to mental illness.
• To examine the nature of the public and professional debate surrounding khat.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of social and medical science databases was conducted.
• Included case reports, qualitative, and quantitative studies on khat use and mental illness from 1945 to 2006.
• Evaluated the validity and reliability of selected studies.

Main Results:

• Evidence for a direct causal link between khat use and mental illness remains inconclusive.
• Health concerns associated with khat use are acknowledged.
• The public discourse surrounding khat in migrant populations may exhibit characteristics of a 'moral panic'.

Conclusions:

• Further high-quality research is needed to understand the association between khat use and psychiatric disorders.
• The current debate on khat use requires a balanced perspective, considering both health implications and societal reactions.
• Improved research methodologies are essential for accurate assessment of khat's impact.