Abstract
RationaleMethamphetamine (MA) use is steadily increasing and thus constitutes a major public health concern. Women seem to be particularly vulnerable to developing MA use disorder, as they initiate use at a younger age and transition more quickly to problematic use. Initial drug responses may predict subsequent use, but little information exists on potential gender differences in the acute effects of MA prior to dependence.ObjectiveWe examined gender differences in the acute effects of MA on subjective mood and reward-related behavior in healthy, non-dependent humans.MethodsMen (n = 44) and women (n = 29) completed 4 sessions in which they received placebo or MA under double-blind conditions twice each. During peak drug effect, participants completed the monetary incentive delay task to assess reaction times to cues signaling potential monetary losses or gains, in an effort to determine if MA would potentiate reward-motivated behavior. Cardiovascular and subjective drug effects were assessed throughout sessions.ResultsOverall, participants responded more quickly to cues predicting incentivized trials, particularly large-magnitude incentives, than to cues predicting no incentive. MA produced faster reaction times in women, but not in men. MA produced typical stimulant-like subjective and cardiovascular effects in all participants, but subjective ratings of vigor and (reduced) sedation were greater in women than in men.ConclusionsWomen appear to be more sensitive to the psychomotor-related behavioral and subjective effects of MA. These findings provide initial insight into gender differences in acute effects of MA that may contribute to gender differences in problematic MA use.
Highlights
ObjectiveWe examined gender differences in the acute effects of MA on subjective mood and reward-related behavior in healthy, non-dependent humans
Methamphetamine (MA) is the second most commonly used illicit drug, behind marijuana, and MA use disorder accounts for the majority of persons entering treatment for drug use globally (DEA 2015; UNODC 2015)
As such, understanding factors that contribute to MA use disorder is of high societal importance, due to the host of negative consequences associated with prolonged use (Baicy and London 2007; Brecht et al 2004)
Summary
We examined gender differences in the acute effects of MA on subjective mood and reward-related behavior in healthy, non-dependent humans. Methods Men (n = 44) and women (n = 29) completed 4 sessions in which they received placebo or MA under double-blind conditions twice each. Participants completed the monetary incentive delay task to assess reaction times to cues signaling potential monetary losses or gains, in an effort to determine if MA would potentiate reward-motivated behavior. Cardiovascular and subjective drug effects were assessed throughout sessions
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have