Methamphetamine use in an early psychosis service: a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study

Methamphetamine-associated psychotic symptoms are common among regular users, and can overlap with the emergence of a primary psychotic disorder. In contrast to previous research, this retrospective observational study aims to describe the characteristics of young people experiencing early psychosis who use methamphetamine regularly. We also aimed to investigate associations between regular methamphetamine use and markers of psychosocial functioning, psychosis outcomes and substance use.

This study involved 116 young people (19 using methamphetamine regularly) referred to the Camperdown Early Intervention in Psychosis Service from January 2015 to January 2016. Variables including demographic information, psychosocial functioning and psychosis outcomes were collected on referral to the service, updated throughout treatment and at discharge.

There were significant associations found between regular methamphetamine use and a criminal history (p<0.001), regular cannabis use (p=0.002) and regular nicotine use (p<0.001).

This study suggests that in early psychosis, regular methamphetamine use could signify a subgroup of young people who use multiple substances and may engage in criminal activity. Addressing substance use in early psychosis may be an important treatment target for this vulnerable group of young people.