SY24-4 * METHAMPHETAMINE INDUCED PSYCHOSIS; A REVIEW ON TREATMENT

Abstract

Consuming methamphetamine as a highly addictive stimulant substance is a major health concern in Iran in recent years; methamphetamine psychosis has seriously impacted the Iranian healthcare system. Methamphetamine causes several physical damages and psychiatric disorders. One of the most important psychiatric comorbidities is psychosis exacerbation due to substance use. The main symptoms of methamphetamine induced psychotic disorder are paranoid delusions and auditory hallucinations as well as mood disturbances including irritability and hostility. These symptoms resemble the symptoms of other psychotic disorders like schizophrenia; meanwhile the differentiation of these two disorders is very important in treatment planning. Methamphetamine psychosis is usually a time-limited disorder remitting with discontinuation of the substance and a short-term pharmacotherapy. Although there are some cases of long-lasting psychosis after methamphetamine use with less progress even with long-term medication, that the data for their proper treatment are inadequate. There are some researches on methamphetamine induced psychotic disorder, emphasizing on its differential diagnosis, possibility of prediction and early intervention, the course and prognosis of the disorder, and treatment of different forms of the disorder. This is a review which aims to recommend some tips on early intervention and proper pharmacotherapy for these patients.