EVALUATION OF CLINICAL AND MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS UTILISING SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS AND METHAMPHETAMINE- A COMAPARITIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Because synthetic phthalates have methamphetamine-like psychoactive effects, they are frequently used 
to treat a variety of mental illnesses, such as aggression, self-harm, and psychosis. It is yet unknown how 
methamphetamine and synthetic cathinone differ in their clinical presenting patterns. 
Aim: The purpose of the current study was to compare the clinical and psychiatric profiles of individuals who used 
synthetic cannabinoids and methamphetamine. 
Methods: Research performed on inebriated patients hospitalized to the institute's Department of Psychiatry. In all 
participants, interview was done to collect psychopathological, lifestyle, and sociodemographic data. To evaluate the 
chemical in the urine sample, immunoassay, liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and 
other techniques were used. To evaluate physical complications and correlations between the two groups, logistic 
regression was employed.  
Results: A total of 24 participants with methamphetamine intoxication were matched with the 12 subjects who were 
found to be intoxicated by synthetic cathinone. The two groups showed comparable intensity of clinical psychotic 
symptoms and a significant risk of self-harm and violence. In both categories, the participants who were single, jobless, 
smokers, and habitual drinkers were more numerous. Synthetic cathinone intoxication was associated with more 
physical complications and a lower history of substance use in the family when compared to methamphetamine use.  
Conclusion: The current study comes to the conclusion that there are similarities in the inclinations towards aggression, 
psychosis, and self-harm among the participants who are intoxicated with methamphetamine and synthetic cathinone. 
However, synthetic cathinone intoxication, which is frequently utilised in the psychiatric emergency department, is 
linked to an increased risk of physical problems.