Methamphetamine Flashcards
What areas of the brain are affected by methamphetamine neurotoxicity?
Frontal Cortex (cell death)
Striatum (cell death and damage to dopamine nerve terminals)
Hippocampus (cell death)
In a PET scan (McCann et al 1998) there was evidence of reduced density of what?
Striatal ligand dopamine transporters
Acute effects..
Increased attention and decreased fatigue
Increased activity and wakefulness
Decreased appetite
Euphoria and rush
Increased respiration
Rapid/irregular heartbeat
Adverse effects of Meth (psychological)
insomnia
aggressive
paranoia
confusion
hallucinations
depression
panic attacks
irritable
decreased appetite
obsessive behaviours
Adverse effects of Meth (systemic)
hyperthermia
malnutrition
impaired immune system
Adverse effects of Meth (circulatory)
high blood pressure
vessel damage in brain
clotting and stroke
Adverse effects of Meth (heart)
chest pain
rapid heart rate
heart attack
Adverse effects of Meth (liver)
liver damage
Adverse effects of Meth (eyes)
dilated pupils
Adverse effects of Meth (mouth)
teeth grinding
Adverse effects of Meth (skin)
sweating
numbness
Adverse effects of Meth (respiratory)
shortness of breath
Adverse effects of Meth (muscular)
jerky movements
increased activity
convulsions
loss of coordination
Adverse effects of Meth (kidneys)
damage
Methamphetamine and cell death
crystal meth - or methamphetamine - causes abnormalities in the fat metabolism of cells. This triggers a rise in the formation of ceramides which are proinflammatory molecules that have the effect or cell aging and death (Seiden & Sabol 1996; Astarita, 2015)
Problems with Stimulants Mental health (Volkow, 2010)
Psychosis: acute and chronic effects
Paranoia
Depression
Anxiety
Suicidality
Delirium/hallucinations
Risky/ impulsive behaviour (sexual and other)
Poor social interaction
Long term memory loss
Problems with Stimulants Violence & criminality
Morgan and Beck (1997) 44% of METH users reported violent behaviour as a result of use
McKetin, et al., (2013) Dose dependant 278 participants 30% violent behaviour not related to psychotic symptoms
Possible influences on antisocial behaviour (Grinspoon & Hedbloom, 1975; Preller, et al., 2014)
Abnormal focus on drugs/other stimuli
Sensory flooding and psychotic paranoia
Psychomotor stimulation/energy
Impaired emotional empathy
Meth on the brain
Methamphetamine abuse also has been shown to have negative effects on non-neural brain cells called microglia.
These cells support brain health by defending the brain against infectious agents and removing damaged neurons. Too much activity of the microglial cells, however, can assault healthy neurons (NIDA, 2017).
NIMH (Volkow, et al., 2001) Decreased Dopamine transporters and decreased metabolism in the brain
NIMH (Volkow, et al., 2001) Decreased Dopamine transporters and decreased metabolism in the brain
