Lower folate levels in methamphetamine-induced psychosis: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Folate deficiency is linked to schizophrenia.
• The folate profile in individuals with stimulant-induced psychosis remains understudied.
• This research investigates the association between serum folate levels and psychosis in methamphetamine (METH) users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if lower serum folate levels are associated with psychosis in patients with METH use disorder.
• To explore the relationship between folate levels and psychotic symptoms in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 40 patients diagnosed with METH use disorder.
• Serum folate levels were quantified using enzyme immunoassay.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association and adjust for confounders.

Main Results:

• Psychotic patients exhibited significantly lower serum folate levels (median 3.4 IQR 5.3) compared to non-psychotic patients (median 8.9 IQR 2.5), p=0.01.
• A 1-unit increase in serum folate was associated with a 27% decrease in the odds of psychosis (R²=53.5%, CI 12-64%, p=0.006).
• This association was independent of METH use duration, age of first use, or concurrent substance use.

Conclusions:

• Low serum folate levels in psychotic METH users are not explained by established risk factors like duration of use, age of onset, or poly-drug use.
• These findings suggest that reduced folate levels may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of psychosis associated with METH use.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms.