
#3: Meth-Induced Mood Disorders
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a drug that affects the central nervous system. As a Schedule II stimulant, this drug has a high potential for abuse. In the past, it was available only through a prescription. Its medical uses are limited and doses prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Much of the current meth available now comes from foreign or domestic superlabs or small, illegal labs where production endangers the people in the labs, neighbors, and the environment.
Also known as crank, crystal, speed, or ice, methamphetamine was initially used in nasal decongestants and inhalers. Meth gained popularity when it was used in World War II to increase endurance for pilots on long missions. Later, meth was used in the US for weight control and as a treatment for depression. Now, meth is primarily used and abused in order to reach a level of alertness, euphoria, and sense of well-being lasting longer than effects from cocaine.
But there is definitely a dark and dirty down-side of meth use and abuse, the side most dealers don't elaborate on for first-time users. Long term effects of meth use can be devastating to individuals, families, and communities. One topic I would like to share today is meth-induced mood disorders.
According to A Clinician's Guide to Methamphetamines meth has been "associated with myriad psychiatric symptoms." These symptoms include depression, suicidal ideation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, psychotic reactions, panic disorders, and violent behavior. Meth use has also been associated with psychotic disorders, intoxication delirium, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. As with other substance abuse disorders, meth use may make it difficult to distinguish drug-induced psychiatric symptoms from a preexisting psychiatric condition.
With my recent job change, I have met many people with the diagnosis of "meth-induced mood disorder" which prompted me to do a little research into the definition.
"Methamphetamine-induced mood disorder is characterized by a prominent and persistent disturbance in mood, which has developed during or within one month of methamphetamine intoxication or withdrawal."
Characteristics of this mood disorder can include depression, irritability, elevated or expansive mood or markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most activities. Often times it is difficult to distinguish between a meth-induced disorder and a primary mood disorder, as they may have the same characteristics. Meth use may also aggravate a preexisting mood disorder.
Research continues into the best approach for treating this disorder. At this time, most treatments are geared toward symptom management. Anti-depressants, dopamine receptor antagonists (Haldol), and dopamine agonists have been used recently in pharmacotherapy (or management with medication) for this complex patient population.
Meth is a very addictive and destructive drug. If you still question it's destructive abilities, please visit any of the following websites:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/photos/gallery.ssf?cgi-bin/view_gallery.cgi/olive/view_gallery.ata?g_id=2927
http://www.mappsd.org/Faces%20of%20Meth.htm
(note the length of use dates at the bottom of the pics)
And perhaps the most frightening:
http://www.mappsd.org/Progression.htm
Wishing you all health and happiness out there!
3 Remarks:
Some of those photos are unbelievable. Too bad so many end up as the "after." Of course, if you put something like battery acid into your body, what can you expect?
Exactly! The lady in the last one didn't make it. :( I'm just amazed at the speed in which it can change a previously healthy-appearing person to a skeletal shell of a person! Some of those had only been using for a few months.
Those pics are incredibly telling. It's so sad. Thanks for the education!
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