Crystal methamphetamine use linked with risk for psychosis

One-third of young patients receiving care at an Australian psychosis prevention and intervention center had used crystal methamphetamine within the previous 6 months, according to findings presented at the International Conference on Early Psychosis in Tokyo.

These findings suggest an association between crystal methamphetamine use and longer-term psychotic symptoms, according to the researchers.

In the study, investigators conducted an audit of 314 young people using the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) program at Orygen Youth Health Clinical Program in Melbourne. Case managers interviewed clients to determine how many had used crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice or crystal meth, from January through June. Thirty-three percent of patients had used crystal meth within the previous 6 months.

“I was not surprised by the results,” researcher Nathan Hall, community psychiatric nurse at EPPIC, said in a press release. “Although I did think the number of young people using ice may have been even higher, possibly because my own work is with the small group of EPPIC clients requiring an intensive service, and these clients often have substance use problems.”

Crystal meth, which can be snorted, smoked or injected, can trigger paranoia, voices, and other psychotic symptoms, the researchers wrote, and according to the release, there is concern that the drug currently circulating in Australia is stronger than previous forms. These concerns prompted a media campaign in Victoria. The campaign, titled “What Are You Doing on Ice?” is targeted at people aged 18 to 25 years and seeks to increase awareness of the potential dangers of crystal meth use.

According to Hall, psychotic symptoms that last more than a few days after crystal methamphetamine use may signal the onset of a longer-term psychosis, such as schizophrenia.

“Even people with no known history of mental health issues can experience paranoia and hallucinations after using ice,” Hall said. “Occasional use does increase the risk for psychosis, and this increases further if a person becomes dependent on ice.”

For more information:

Hall N. Poster #A120. Presented at: International Conference on Early Psychosis; Nov. 17-19, 2014; Tokyo.

Disclosure: Relevant financial disclosures were unavailable at publication.