Definition

Stimulation or stimulants are a class of drugs that work to increase the activity of the central nervous system. Stimulant drugs will speed up the delivery of signals in the brain by inhibiting the re-absorption of several monoamine brain chemical compounds.

Stimulant drugs are used to treat ADHD, asthma, low blood pressure, narcolepsy, obesity, flu, and headaches. Misusing these drugs without medical supervision can be illegal due to their addictive nature. 

Stimulant use can cause mental and behavioral disorders, including psychosis. Symptoms include hallucinations, misidentifications, delusions, and paranoid or persecutory ideas, which can last as long as you use the substance. Consciousness can be clouded. Partial healing occurs within one month, and complete recovery within six months.

Caffeine, methamphetamine, and MDMA or ecstasy are three commonly used stimulants. Caffeine, a natural central nervous system stimulant, is the most widely used stimulant in the world. It can be easily obtained from natural sources like coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. Caffeine primarily aims to prevent fatigue and sleepiness, but has many additional uses. Caffeine can treat apnea in premature babies and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. It is also believed to help treat depression and neurocognitive decline.

Causes

Using stimulants will speed up the delivery of signals in the brain by inhibiting the re-absorption of several monoamine brain chemical compounds (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin). This slowing of the absorption process will cause an increase in the amount of monoamines in the synapses of brain nerve cells. Dopamine and norepinephrine are known to have the effect of giving a feeling of euphoria and can cause addiction. Furthermore, repeated exposure to stimulants in the form of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and caffeine in certain amounts and duration can cause changes in cognitive function or intelligence and behavior, causing psychosis or mental disorders in users.

Risk Factor

Several things are risk factors for stimulant abuse, which can lead to mental and behavioral disorders, namely;

• Unstable family environment, including a family history of substance use, or crime,
• History of substance use as therapy for psychiatric problems
• The surrounding environment tends to carry out high-risk behavior,
• A history of mental health disorders, especially adjustment disorders, panic disorders, and social anxiety disorders.

Symptoms

Mental and behavioral disorders caused by the use of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and caffeine occur both due to long-term and short-term use. Short-term use of stimulants can cause you to feel euphoria, excitement, good mood, increased sexual desire, reduced fatigue, and increased attention and cognitive abilities in a short time.

Consumption of methamphetamine, ecstasy, and caffeine also causes neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as unpredictable behavior, confusion, panic and anxiety, paranoia or excessive fear, hallucinations, irritability, delirium, suicidal tendencies, and drug and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, consuming stimulants can cause psychosis even if you don't have a family history of psychosis.

Diagnosis

During the history, your doctor will ask about the symptoms you are experiencing. Stimulant-induced psychotic disorders can cause a variety of symptom patterns. This variation is influenced by the type of stimulant consumed and your personality. Your doctor may find symptoms of agitation, hallucinations, paranoia, and psychosis.

Your doctor will ask several questions related to the amount of medication and how to use it as well as the length of time you are using the stimulant. Your doctor will also ask about whether stimulants are taken with other substances, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, marijuana, and alcohol.

On physical examination, your doctor may find signs of malnutrition random mood swings and variable behavioral changes.

Management

Drug abuse can cause symptoms of psychosis, which can worsen existing symptoms. Although symptoms caused by stimulants are usually temporary and may resolve without treatment, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor and receive treatment. Severe psychotic disorders can lead to significant functional impairment and a high risk of injury, which is why seeking medical attention is crucial.

Your doctor will refer you to a therapist. Treatments include non-pharmacological options such as psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family approaches. Additionally, medication may be prescribed, including antidepressants.

Although pharmacological medications are effective in treating some substance use disorders, there are currently no medications that can reverse the specific effects of methamphetamine or reduce methamphetamine abuse. To reduce abuse, your doctor will provide therapy in the form of Motivational Interviewing, contingency management, CBT, and family education.

A combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapy has a better treatment success rate.

Complications

Stimulant abuse in adolescence can have an impact on neurological development and cause children to have a tendency to use illegal drugs and other risky behaviors. The use of stimulants is also known to cause psychosis even if there is no family history of the same.

Consuming large amounts of caffeine can not only cause mental and behavioral disorders but can also cause problems with the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, this can cause increased morbidity rates.

Prevention

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when using stimulant medications. Misuse of stimulant drugs can cause mental and behavioral disorders.

It is recommended that you consume enough caffeine to experience its positive effects, such as mood improvement and anxiety reduction. Typically, adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to 4 cups of coffee, without experiencing any negative effects. However, consuming more than 1,200 milligrams of caffeine a day can be toxic and lead to seizures.

When to see a doctor? 

It is important to consult a doctor before and during the use of stimulants to prevent side effects. If you experience any of the symptoms above, seek medical attention immediately.