Sex Differences in the Association Between Internalizing Symptoms and Craving in Methamphetamine Users.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Methamphetamine (MA) use disorder is frequently comorbid with psychiatric conditions like mood and anxiety disorders.
• Female MA users report higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to males.
• Craving is a critical factor in MA use disorder, often associated with mood and anxiety symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in MA use disorder.
• To examine if sex moderates the association between mood/anxiety symptoms and MA craving.

Main Methods:

• 203 non-treatment-seeking, current MA users were recruited.
• Participants completed self-report measures including the Methamphetamine Urge Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Main Results:

• Sex significantly moderated the relationship between depression and MA craving (p < .01).
• The link between depression and craving was significant and positive for men, but not for women.
• Similarly, sex moderated the anxiety-craving link (p < .02), significant in men but not women.

Conclusions:

• Men may be more susceptible to the impact of internalizing symptoms on MA craving than women.
• Treating comorbid psychiatric conditions in male MA users is crucial for reducing craving.
• These findings highlight the importance of sex-specific approaches in managing MA use disorder.