NORADRENERGIC ACTIVITY AND SPONTANEOUS RECURRENCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE PSYCHOSIS

The process that triggers flashbacks due to previous methamphetamine ( MAP) psychosis was studied in 28 flashbackers, along with 84 non-flash backers with a history of MAP psychosis. We measured plasma monoamine metabolite levels in 12 of the flashbackers and eight of the non-flash backers, along with 28 normal controls. Most flashbackers had undergon e frightening experiences during previous MAP use. The dominant trigge ring factor was a mild fear of other people. Plasma norepinephrine (NE ) levels in the 12 flashbackers were increased during flashbacks. Thus , MAP use associated with threatening experiences may have increased s ensitivity to stressors, leading to the occurrence of flashbacks, incl uding exaggerated noradrenergic activity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd.