An investigation of psychosis-proneness in amphetamine users: a multisite study

Among amphetamine users, there appears to be a substantial but poorly described experience of mental disorders, ranging from frank psychoses to subclinical symptoms that include abusive and aggressive behaviours, suspiciousness and impulsivity. Nonetheless, the majority of subclinical symptoms go undetected, and essentially only amphetamine users with overt florid psychosis receive treatment and care. This NHMRC project is a multisite cohort study of 300 amphetamine users aimed at defining the extent and nature of mental health and other problems among amphetamine users over a 12-month period. This NHMRC funded research is a collaboration with Prof Sharon Dawe at Griffith University and Dr Rebecca McKetin at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. Follow-up assessments are currently being completed.