Addiction Research & Therapy

Amphetamine-type stimulants refer to a group of drugs whose principal members include amphetamine and methamphetamine. Th e use of these drugs is a global and growing phenomenon and in recent years, there has been a

signifi cant increase in the production and use of amphetamines worldwide. According to Th e world drug report the amountof methamphetamine seized was increased from 34 tons in 2009 to 88 tons in 2013. In addition to growing market for methamphetamine in East and South-East Asia, there are also indications of increasing use in parts of North America and Europe. It is well established from several years ago that there is a strong relationship between the amphetamines use and the development of acute psychosis. Amphetamine induced psychosis usually is a state of amphetamine intoxication with psychotic

symptoms, commonly presented with delusions and hallucinations. Th e early studies demonstrated that amphetamines could produce psychotic symptoms even in healthy subjects. Amphetamine induced psychosis has been reported in 13–45% of regular users of amphetamines. Regarding the highly addictive nature, and its ability to produce psychotic symptoms, amphetamine abuse is a major public health concern in the current century. While the number of the patients with amphetamine induced psychosis as well as the patients with abuse and chronic dependence on amphetamine is growing, more comprehensive understanding of clinical features and treatment of this disorder will be required to address the psychosis as well as the addiction. Th is presentation will

review the risk factors, frequency, symptoms, and treatment of amphetamine induced psychosis. Also implications for practice, management and future research will be discussed.