A Study of the Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis

Abstract Background: The abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances such as amphetamines and ecstasy has had a growing trend. Tachycardia, increased blood pressure, hallucinations, panic attacks, and psychosis are the negative effects of methamphetamine abuse. The present study aimed to assess psychiatric disorders associated with methamphetamine-induced psychotic disorder. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed from October 2013 to March 2014 on 165 patients hospitalized at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kerman, Iran, and diagnosed with psychosis induced by methamphetamine abuse within the previous 6 months. Study subjects were selected via census method. Based on the exclusion criteria and due to the lack of cooperation of some patients, 121 patients were enrolled in the study. Research data were gathered using clinical interviews, the Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD), Young mania rating scale (YMRS), substance dependence severity scale (SDSS), positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), and clinical global impression (CGI) scale. The data analysis was performed using SPSS software, descriptive statistics, and ANOVA. Findings: Among the 121 patients of the sample group, 4 patients (3.3%) had anxiety, 58 patients (47.9%) depression, 30 patients (24.8%) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 20 patients (16.5%) bipolar mood disorder (BMD), 8 patients (6.6%) persistent psychotic symptoms, 85 patients (70.2%) personality disorder, and 36 patients (29.8%) had no personality disorders. The highest prevalence was related to borderline personality disorder (35.5%). However, 45 patients (37.2%) had no impairment associated with methamphetamine-induced psychosis. Conclusion: It seems that there is comorbidity between psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders, especially depressive disorder, childhood history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorders, and methamphetamine abuse. Keywords: Methamphetamine, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Manic disorder, Sustained psychotic symptoms, Personality disorde

A Study of the Sexual Function, Sleep, and Weight Status of Patients after 6 Months of Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Abstract Background: Methadone is a synthetic opioid and receptor agonist morphine; thus, its consumption has the effects and side effects of opioid. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is used as an alternative treatment for people who are suffering from substance abuse and do not have the ability to withdraw. Despite its benefits, this drug also has side effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of methadone treatment on sexual function, sleep, and weight after 6 months. Methods: The study subjects consisted of 200 patients who had referred to the Methadone Clinic of Shahid Beheshti Training Hospital, Kerman, Iran, during a 6-month period and were treated using MMT. Data collection tools consisted of the demographic questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and Arizona sexual experience scale (ASEX). The questionnaires were completed by the participants before and 6 months after the treatment. Findings: The results of this study showed that methadone consumption has significant effects on sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, and weight gain. Conclusion: The consideration of the side effects of MMT can result in consumers’ commitment to the treatment. Keywords: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), Sleep disorders, Sexual dysfunctio