Psychological Indicators

Methamphetamine use is associated with a wide spectrum of psychological manifestations ranging from anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and confusion to more severe presentations including depression, paranoia, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, and stimulant-induced psychosis.^3,20,41

Individuals may also experience auditory, visual, olfactory, and tactile hallucinations. Although these symptoms frequently improve following cessation of methamphetamine use, stimulant-induced psychosis may persist or recur in some individuals, particularly following prolonged or heavy methamphetamine use.^40,41

Chronic methamphetamine use may also be associated with significant changes in personality, impaired judgment, social and occupational deterioration, compulsive drug-seeking behavior, and disruption of interpersonal relationships.^20,40,41

Dental professionals should recognize that patients experiencing acute paranoia, hallucinations, severe anxiety, or impaired reality testing may be unable to participate appropriately in treatment planning or provide informed consent. Elective dental treatment should be postponed until the patient is medically and psychologically stable. If there is concern that the patient poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, appropriate emergency medical or psychiatric services should be contacted.^1,28