What mental illnesses are caused by methamphetamine?
Bipolar
Manic depression is characterized by wild mood swings and erratic behavior. Manic behavior is commonly seen when high, but mood swings often persist even in sobriety for many months. Mood swings may be associated with violence, suicide, motor vehicle crashes, and child abuse. Drug induced bipolar generally resolves when off drugs. If the person had Bipolar Disorder before they became addicted, they do not get better off of meth, but rather need continued psychiatric care.
Schizophrenia
Hallucinations are almost universal among meth addicts (>90%). They usually ensue after a prolonged period (many days) without sleep. These hallucinations are not diagnostic of schizophrenia. The addict usually realizes they are not real (Man, I am seeing things!)
As the addict continues to use, however, real psychosis develops in some users. They develop fantastic delusions involving plots against their lives, conspiracies, people following them etc. These delusions are often accompanied by hallucinations that are often vivid and frightening.
Psychosis caused by methamphetamine is treatable with the same antipsychotic medications we use for schizophrenia, and a small number of meth addicts will need them for the rest of their lives. Most addicts recover from their psychosis with no residual mental illness.
Depression
Depression is universal as the addict goes into withdrawal. Typically it lasts 3-6 months and then slowly resolves, but some addicts continue to have severe depression for 2 or 3 years after getting off methamphetamine. This depression is related to depletion of neurotransmitters in the brain. It responds to anti-depressant medications called Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [example Prozac]. Patients also benefit from support group settings where they can express themselves and somebody understands what they are going through. Having a mentor or sponsor who has recovered from this depression gives them hope that they can recover too.
Anxiety
Anxietyis also very common in current users and those in withdrawal. They have severe unprovoked panic attacks with rapid pulse, breathlessness, and unexplained fear. Panic attacks and nightmares commonly fade away in the first 3-6 months off methamphetamine. When they are severe, they can be treated with anti-anxiety medications.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
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