Plasma monoamine metabolites and spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine-induced paranoid-hallucinatory psychosis: Relation of noradrenergic activity to the occurrence of flashbacks

Author(s): Goto, K., Ikemoto, S., Ishiguro, T.

Journal/Book: Psychiatry Res. 1996; 63: Customer Relations Manager, Bay 15, Shannon Industrial, Estate Co, Clare, Ireland. Elsevier Sci Ireland Ltd. 93-107.

Abstract: The relationship between monoamine neurotransmitter function and spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine (MAP) psychosis, a phenomenon known as flashbacks, was studied in a group of incarcerated women. Plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and their respective metabolites were assayed in 28 flashbackers, 19 non-flashbackers with a history of previous MAP psychosis, and 9 subjects with persistent MAP psychosis, Control data were available from 61 physically healthy prisoners (41 MAP users and 20 non-users, none of whom became psychotic). The plasma NE levels of the 28 flashbackers during flashbacks were significantly higher than levels during periods of normality, and were significantly higher than those in the MAP user and non-user controls, Plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels during flashbacks were significantly higher than those in the user controls. The nine subjects with persistent MAP psychosis had significantly higher NE levels than the user and non-user controls. The 19 non-flashbackers had significantly higher MHPG levels than the user controls. Plasma levels of 3-methoxytyramine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid contributed to the NE levels in the flashbackers, in contrast to the findings in the control group. Noradrenergic systems may be compromised in the flashbackers, suggesting increased vulnerability to psychotic decompensation. These findings suggest that aggravation in peripheral noradrenergic hyperactivity may be an important factor in the occurrence of flashbacks.

Note: Article K Yui, Minist Justice, Urawa Juvenile Classificat Home, Med Care Sect, Takasago 3-16-34-31, Urawa, Saitama 336, Japan

Keyword(s): drug-induced psychosis; substance abuse; norepinephrine; 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol; dopamine; 5-hydroxytryptamine; CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID; SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS; NEUROTRANSMITTER INTERACTIONS; RAT-BRAIN; NOREPINEPHRINE; DOPAMINE; STRESS; NORADRENALINE; PREDICTION; NEURONS

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