Major physical and psychological harms of methamphetamine use.
OBJECTIVE
The major physical and psychological health effects of methamphetamine use, and the factors associated with such harms.


METHODS
Comprehensive review.


RESULTS
Physical harms reviewed included toxicity and mortality, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular pathology, dependence and blood-borne virus transmission. Psychological harms include methamphetamine psychosis, depression, suicide, anxiety and violent behaviours.


CONCLUSIONS
While high-profile health consequences, such as psychosis, are given prominence in the public debate, the negative sequelae extend far beyond this. This is a drug class that causes serious heart disease, has serious dependence liability and high rates of suicidal behaviours.


CONCLUSIONS
The current public image of methamphetamine does not portray adequately the extensive, and in many cases insidious, harms caused.
Darke
Shane
S
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Kaye
Sharlene
S
McKetin
Rebecca
R
Duflou
Johan
J
D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008694:Methamphetamine