Risks of psychosis in methamphetamine users: cross-sectional study in Thailand

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Addiction Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Methamphetamine use is a growing public health concern.
• Methamphetamine-associated psychosis (MAP) is a severe complication requiring targeted interventions.
• Understanding the risk factors for MAP is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with recent methamphetamine-associated psychosis (MAP) in individuals using methamphetamine (MA).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Thailand between July 2015 and June 2017.
• 120 participants without MAP and 113 with MAP were recruited from mental health and substance abuse facilities.
• Psychosis was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus, MA use with Timeline Follow Back, and MA dependence with the Severity of Dependence Scale. Hair analysis was used to confirm MA use.

Main Results:

• Independent factors associated with MAP included being male (OR 4.03), using MA for ≥16 days in the past month (OR 2.35), MA dependence (OR 9.41), and a history of substance abuse hospitalization (OR 3.85).
• MA concentration levels in hair did not significantly differ between groups and showed no predictive benefit for MAP.
• The mean age of participants was 28 years, with an average abstinence of 17 days.

Conclusions:

• Male gender, frequent MA use, MA dependence, and a history of substance abuse hospitalization are significant predictors of MAP.
• Health professionals should monitor these factors closely in individuals using MA.
• Hair MA concentration levels are not a reliable predictor for the development of MAP.