Psychiatric comorbidity in methamphetamine dependence

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in a large sample of methamphetamine (MA)-dependent subjects using a validated structured clinical interview, without limitation to sexual orientation or participation in a treatment program. The secondary aim was to assess whether the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities varied by gender. Structured clinical interviews (SCIDs) were administered to 189 MA-dependent subjects and lifetime prevalence of DSM-IV diagnoses was assessed. Across the sample, 28.6% had primary psychotic disorders, 23.8% of which were substance-induced; 13.2% had MA-induced delusional disorders and 11.1% had MA-induced hallucinations. A substantial number of lifetime mood disorders were identified that were not substance-induced (32.3%), whereas 14.8% had mood disorders induced by substances, and 10.6% had mood disorders induced by amphetamines. Of all participants, 26.5% had anxiety disorders and 3.7% had a substance-induced anxiety disorder, all of which were induced by MA. Male subjects reported a higher percentage of MA-induced delusions compared to female abusers. Given the impact of MA psychosis and other drug-induced symptoms on hospitals and mental health services, the description and characterization of comorbid psychiatric symptoms associated with MA use is of paramount importance.