Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis and Treatment With Haloperidol and Risperidone: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• First-generation antipsychotics may be more effective for psychotic symptoms than second-generation ones.
• Limited research exists on comparing specific antipsychotics for methamphetamine-associated psychosis (MAP).

Purpose of the Study:

• This pilot study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Haloperidol and Risperidone in treating positive symptoms of psychosis in methamphetamine-dependent patients.
• It was the first study of its kind conducted in Iran.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 44 methamphetamine-dependent patients diagnosed with MAP.
• Patients were randomly assigned to receive either Haloperidol (5-20 mg) or Risperidone (2-8 mg).
• Assessments using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) were conducted at baseline, weekly during treatment, and at follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both Haloperidol and Risperidone demonstrated significant effectiveness (< 0.05) in treating positive symptoms of MAP.
• No significant difference in effectiveness was observed between Haloperidol and Risperidone.
• Treatment effects for both medications improved within the first two weeks and remained stable thereafter.

Conclusions:

• Haloperidol and Risperidone are both effective treatments for the positive symptoms of methamphetamine-associated psychosis.
• Further research is recommended to investigate long-term effects and compare efficacy in larger patient populations.