PLASMA MONOAMINE METABOLITES AND SPONTANEOUS RECURRENCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE-INDUCED PARANOID-HALLUCINATORY PSYCHOSIS - RELATION OF NORADRENERGIC ACTIVITY TO THE OCCURRENCE OF FLASHBACKS

The relationship between monoamine neurotransmitter function and spont aneous recurrence of methamphetamine (MAP) psychosis, a phenomenon kno wn as flashbacks, was studied in a group of incarcerated women. Plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and the ir respective metabolites were assayed in 28 flashbackers, 19 non-flas hbackers with a history of previous MAP psychosis, and 9 subjects with persistent MAP psychosis, Control data were available from 61 physica lly healthy prisoners (41 MAP users and 20 non-users, none of whom bec ame psychotic). The plasma NE levels of the 28 flashbackers during fla shbacks were significantly higher than levels during periods of normal ity, and were significantly higher than those in the MAP user and non- user controls, Plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels du ring flashbacks were significantly higher than those in the user contr ols. The nine subjects with persistent MAP psychosis had significantly higher NE levels than the user and non-user controls. The 19 non-flas hbackers had significantly higher MHPG levels than the user controls. Plasma levels of 3-methoxytyramine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid cont ributed to the NE levels in the flashbackers, in contrast to the findi ngs in the control group. Noradrenergic systems may be compromised in the flashbackers, suggesting increased vulnerability to psychotic deco mpensation. These findings suggest that aggravation in peripheral nora drenergic hyperactivity may be an important factor in the occurrence o f flashbacks.