The Survey of Prevalence and Content of Hallucinations and Delusions in Methamphetamine Dependents

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine use can lead to hallucinations and delusions, which can severely disrupt perception, thinking, emotion, and behavior and even cause self-harm and harm to others. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the content of these experiences. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and content of hallucinations and delusions in individuals with methamphetamine dependence. Patients and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 198 methamphetamine users recruited from compulsory residences using convenience sampling. The participants were interviewed individually using a structured checklist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Data were analyzed using SPSS software using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and the chi-square test. Results: Auditory hallucinations (41.4%) and visual hallucinations (26.8%) were the most participants' common types of hallucinations. Persecution delusion (31.3%), grandeur delusion (17.7%), and reference delusion (16.7%) were the most common types of delusions reported. There were significant differences between the methamphetamine psychosis and non-psychosis groups regarding the rate, duration, and age of onset of methamphetamine use, as well as the prevalence of psychiatric diseases, suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, and history of intoxication. Conclusions: The early detection of psychosis symptoms in methamphetamine users through follow-up reviews can prevent the occurrence of more destructive individual and social complications caused by these experiences. It is essential to consider all types of hallucinations and delusions to implement timely preventive actions for individuals with methamphetamine dependence.