ICD-11

Disorders due to use of synthetic cathinones are characterised by the pattern and consequences of synthetic cathinone use. Synthetic cathinones (also known as ‘bath salts’) are synthetic compounds with stimulant properties related to cathinone found in the khat plant, Catha edulis. The use of synthetic cathinones is common in young populations in many countries. They may produce a range of disorders including Synthetic Cathinone Intoxication, Synthetic Cathinone Dependence and Synthetic Cathinone Withdrawal. Several synthetic cathinone-induced mental disorders are recognised.

Synthetic cathinone-induced psychotic disorder is characterised by psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, grossly disorganised behaviour) that develop during or soon after intoxication with or withdrawal from synthetic cathinones. The intensity or duration of the symptoms is substantially in excess of psychotic-like disturbances of perception, cognition, or behaviour that are characteristic of Synthetic cathinone intoxication or Synthetic cathinone withdrawal. The amount and duration of synthetic cathinone use must be capable of producing psychotic symptoms. The symptoms are not better explained by a primary mental disorder (e.g., Schizophrenia, a Mood disorder with psychotic symptoms), as might be the case if the psychotic symptoms preceded the onset of the synthetic cathinone use, if the symptoms persist for a substantial period of time after cessation of the synthetic cathinone use or withdrawal, or if there is other evidence of a pre-existing primary mental disorder with psychotic symptoms (e.g., a history of prior episodes not associated with synthetic cathinone use).

Synthetic cathinone-induced psychotic disorder with mixed psychotic symptoms is characterised by the presence of multiple psychotic symptoms, primarily hallucinations and delusions, when these are judged to be the direct consequence of synthetic cathinone use. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during hypnogogic or hypnopompic states, are not better accounted for by another mental and behavioural disorder (e.g., Schizophrenia), and are not due to another disorder or disease classified elsewhere (e.g., epilepsies with visual symptoms).