Mental health correlates of drug treatment among women who use methamphetamine

Clustering of methamphetamine users based on personality characteristics and self-efficacy in the west of Iran

With the substantial increase in the use of stimulants, especially methamphetamine, in recent years, the present study aimed to cluster methamphetamine users based on personality traits and self-efficacy, and compare their mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse in the identified clusters. This cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling on 501 methamphetamine users in addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah, western Iran. The data were collected using the Schwarzer General Self-Efficacy Scale, Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Goldberg and Hiller General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, and Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS). A total of 501 methamphetamine users were distinguished into three clusters with frequencies of 111 (22.2%), 298 (59.5%), and 92 (18.4%) members through hierarchical cluster analysis. The participants in the first cluster were characterized by low self-efficacy, high neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, along with low extroversion and activity, low positive health, high negative health, low sleep quality, and high risk of drug relapse. The participants in the second cluster reported moderate levels of self-efficacy, neuroticism, sensation seeking, activity, and aggressiveness, high extroversion, and moderate levels of mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse. Moreover, the participants in the third cluster reported the highest level of self-efficacy, the lowest level of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, moderate extroversion and high activity, low relapse risk, high sleep quality, as well as high positive and low negative health symptoms. The third cluster was significantly different from the other two clusters in terms of the mentioned factors. The findings of this study suggest that low self-efficacy and the presence of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and high aggressiveness contribute to reduced mental health and sleep quality, as well as an increased risk of relapse in methamphetamine users.

Methamphetamine-induced vaginal lubrication in rats

BACKGROUND

Based on previous studies of vaginal lubrication as well as our own previously reported interview study of women who self-reported methamphetamine (meth)-induced vaginal lubrication, in the current study we sought to determine the potential dose-response relationship leading to meth-induced vaginal lubrication. We also developed an animal model to study the reported effects and examine potential mechanisms mediating this phenomenon.

AIM

We sought to characterize the effects of meth on vaginal lubrication in an animal model with the aim of providing a potential framework for new mechanisms that incorporate novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of vaginal dryness.

METHODS

Vaginal lubrication was measured via insertion of a preweighed, cotton-tipped swab into the vaginal canal of anesthetized rats following treatment with various doses of intravenous (IV) meth, up to 0.96 mg/kg, and after additional pharmacological manipulations, including administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and an estrogen receptor antagonist. Plasma signaling molecules, including estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, nitric oxide, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, were measured immediately before and at 9 time points after IV meth administration. Blood was collected via a previously implanted chronic indwelling jugular catheter and analyzed by use of commercially available kits per the manufacturer's instructions.

OUTCOMES

Outcomes for this study include the measurement of vaginal lubrication in anesthetized rats following various pharmacological manipulations and plasma levels of various signaling molecules.

RESULTS

Meth dose-dependently increased vaginal lubrication in anesthetized female rats. Meth significantly increased plasma levels compared to baseline of estradiol (2 and 15 minutes after meth infusion) as well as progesterone, testosterone, and nitric oxide (10 minutes after meth infusion). Also, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide decreased significantly compared to baseline for 45 minutes following meth infusion. Our data further suggest that nitric oxide, but not estradiol, is critical in the production of vaginal secretions in response to meth.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study has far-reaching implications for women who are suffering from vaginal dryness and for whom estrogen therapy is unsuccessful, as the investigation has demonstrated that meth presents a novel mechanism for producing vaginal lubrication that can be targeted pharmacologically.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study is, to our knowledge, the first performed to measure the physiological sexual effects of meth in an animal model. Animals were anesthetized when they were administered meth. In an ideal situation, animals would be self-administering the drug to recapitulate better the contingent nature of drug taking; however, this method was not feasible for the study reported here.

CONCLUSION

Methamphetamine increases vaginal lubrication in female rats through a nitric oxide-dependent mechanism.

Psychiatric Comorbidity and Psychopathology of Methamphetamine Users—Are There Gender Differences?

Methamphetamine use disorder is associated with severe psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial problems. Women seem to be more affected than men. Therefore, this study examined psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathology, drug use patterns, and treatment outcomes in women addicted to methamphetamine compared to men. Data on methamphetamine-dependent inpatients were collected in two centers specialized for addiction treatment at admission (T0) and discharge (T1, after treatment for 24 weeks). Sociodemographic and clinical measures were collected with the semi-structured clinical interview I at baseline; the self-reported standardized questionnaire (SCL-90-R) was administered at admission and discharge and after 24 weeks. During the entire treatment procedure, treatment relevant aspects were monitored. Out of all 108 treatment-seeking participants (86 men, 22 women), 64 completed the study (51 men, 13 women; drop-out rate: 40.7% (n = 44)). Methamphetamine-dependent women used other stimulants more often than men, while men used hallucinogens significantly more frequently than women. Female inpatients differed significantly from men in various sociodemographic variables (e.g., having children, single parenting) and were significantly more often affected by current (p < 0.001) and lifetime mental stress disorders (p < 0.001), as well as specific psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001) (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder). At discharge, mental symptoms decreased significantly in men but not in women. Both before and after treatment, women seem to be more vulnerable to psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathologic symptoms compared to men. Although this study only provides preliminary data on gender-specific characteristics of methamphetamine-dependent patients and their treatment, it seems appropriate to discuss the development of gender-specific treatment options. Further studies in this field are needed.

Psychosocial treatment for methamphetamine use and the associated mental health symptoms

Purpose

Methamphetamine users commonly experience induced methamphetamine associated mental health symptoms. Currently, psychosocial treatment is implemented to reduce use; however, to date, the effectiveness of psychosocial treatment in methamphetamine use and the associated mental health symptoms has not been reviewed. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was performed by searching databases (PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsychINFO and CINAHL) and following clear inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Findings

In total, 12 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, measuring a variety of psychosocial interventions and measuring a variety of different mental health outcomes. Decreased methamphetamine use was observed in the five studies which recorded this.

Research limitations/implications

Most studies in this review were preliminary trials and only three were RCTs. Additionally, methamphetamine use is a particular problem in Japan and is becoming more prevalent in Europe, yet neither primary nor secondary searching identified papers from these regions.

Practical implications

While the findings may not provide sufficient supporting evidence to instigate changes in clinical practice, this work should be developed further, as it is clear that psychosocial interventions can be successful in treating this population.

Social implications

This review demonstrates that psychosocial treatments can improve symptoms associated with methamphetamine use. Reduction in mental health symptoms has been shown to attract individuals to drug use treatment and thus indirectly reducing methamphetamine use.

Originality/value

Given the consequences of methamphetamine for individuals and communities treatment options must be explored. A review of psychosocial interventions in the treatment of methamphetamine use and associated mental health symptoms had not been done previously. This review provides a foundation for further research.

Methamphetamine use and dependence in vulnerable female populations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The study reviews recent publications on methamphetamine use and dependence women in term of their epidemic, physical health impact, psychosocial impacts, and also in the identified vulnerable issues.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies of vulnerable populations of women are wide ranging and include sex workers, sexual minorities, homeless, psychiatric patients, suburban women, and pregnant women, in which amphetamine type stimulants (ATSs) are the most commonly reported illicit drug used among them. The prenatal exposure of ATS demonstrated the small for gestational age and low birth weight; however, more research is needed on long-term studies of methamphetamine-exposed children. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is commonly reported by female methamphetamine users as perpetrators and victims. However, statistics and gendered power dynamics suggest that methamphetamine-related IPV indicates a higher chance of femicide. Methamphetamine-abusing women often have unresolved childhood trauma and are introduced to ATS through families or partners.

SUMMARY

Vulnerable populations of women at risk of methamphetamine abuse and dependence. Impacts on their physical and mental health, IPV, and pregnancy have been reported continuing, which guide that empowering and holistic substance abuse are necessary for specific group.