ICD-11

Disorders due to use of stimulants including amphetamines, methamphetamine or methcathinone are characterised by the pattern and consequences of use of these substances. There is a wide array of naturally occurring and synthetically produced psychostimulants other than cocaine. The most numerous of this group are the amphetamine-type substances, including methamphetamine. Prescribed stimulants including dexamphetamine are indicated for a limited number of conditions such as for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Methcathinone, known in many countries as ephedrone, is a synthetic potent stimulant that is a structural analogue of methamphetamine and is related to cathinone. All these drugs have primarily psychostimulant properties and are also vasoconstrictors to a varying degree. They induce euphoria and hyperactivity as may be seen in Stimulant Intoxication. They have potent dependence-producing properties, which may lead to the diagnosis of Stimulant Dependence and Stimulant Withdrawal following the cessation of use. Several Stimulant-Induced Mental Disorders are described.

Stimulant intoxication including amphetamines, methamphetamine and methcathinone but excluding caffeine, cocaine and synthetic cathinones is a clinically significant transient condition that develops during or shortly after the consumption of amphetamine or other stimulants that is characterised by disturbances in consciousness, cognition, perception, affect, behaviour, or coordination. These disturbances are caused by the known pharmacological effects of amphetamine or other stimulants and their intensity is closely related to the amount of amphetamine or other stimulant consumed. They are time-limited and abate as amphetamine or another stimulant is cleared from the body. Presenting features may include anxiety, anger, impaired attention, hypervigilance, psychomotor agitation, paranoid ideation (possibly of delusional intensity), transient auditory hallucinations, transitory confusion, and changes in sociability. Perspiration or chills, nausea or vomiting, and palpitations may be experienced. Physical signs may include tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, pupillary dilatation, dyskinesias and dystonias, and skin sores. In rare instances, usually in severe intoxication, use of stimulants including amphetamines, methamphetamine and methcathinone can result in seizures.