Ice psychosis: what is it, and why do only some users get it?

Dr Shalini Arunogiri

writer

Dr Shalini Arunogiri

Addiction Psychiatrist, Lecturer, Monash University

Dr Shalini Arunogiri

There is growing concern about crystal methamphetamine (ice) use in Australia and internationally, in part because of the psychological effects of the drug. Although most people who use ice do not experience psychological problems, about one in three people who use it regularly report experiencing psychosis in their lifetime.

Research also suggests that up to 30% of people who experience ice psychosis go on to develop a long-term psychotic illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Our new study aimed to find out why some ice users are more likely to experience psychosis than others.

Read more: Ice causes death in many ways, overdose is just one of them

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