Drug-induced psychosis associated with crystalline methamphetamine.
OBJECTIVE
A case of drug-induced psychosis related to crystalline methamphetamine is described, highlighting the phenomenology and relevant treatment.


RESULTS
A 44-year-old woman with borderline personality traits and severe drug dependence developed a protracted drug-induced psychosis related to chronic high-dose crystalline methamphetamine use. Complete resolution of symptoms occurred with antipsychotic medication and abstinence from methamphetamine. Rapid recurrence of symptoms occurred at a time of high stress associated with minimal methamphetamine use and cessation of low-dose quetiapine. Symptoms rapidly resolved with abstinence, quetiapine and reduction of stressors.


CONCLUSIONS
A drug-induced psychosis resembling paranoid schizophrenia can occur with repeated or high-dose use of methamphetamine. While this generally resolves rapidly with cessation of stimulant use, some cases of protracted drug-induced psychosis in vulnerable individuals have been documented. Behavioural sensitization can also occur, and neuroleptics may prevent the recurrence of further psychosis triggered by ongoing low-dose methamphetamine use.
Dore
Glenys
G
Macquarie Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. gdore@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au
Sweeting
Melinda
M
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D008694:Methamphetamine