Genetic Variabilities Among Males and Females with Methamphetamine Use Disorder

- Nearly twice as many males use methamphetamine than females
- Males typically use methamphetamine for longer periods of time
- Females are more likely to use methamphetamine to lose weight and/or as a way to cope with childhood sexual abuse
- Among adolescents who use methamphetamine, boys are more likely to start at a younger age

Sex Differences in Epidemiology of Methamphetamine Use

While there are no FDA-approved medications for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD),  current data indicates that there are differences in responses to drugs used to attempt to treat MUD.  Responses to psychotherapeutic interventions also differ.

Sex Differences in Methamphetamine Use Disorder Therapeutic Responses

There is increased risk of hypertension, myocardial complications, and strokes among all individuals with MUD. Drug-induce pulmonary arterial hypertension has been found to be higher in female methamphetamine users In contrast, male users were found to suffer from a higher prevalence of methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy,  hypertension, severe stenosis, myocyte hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Effects of Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Women are noted to be more sensitive to cognitive and behavioral changes as a result of methamphetamine usage, including:
- Higher impulsivity
-  Higher rates of hypersomnia
-  Increased anxiety
- Greater severity  and prevalence of psychosis, bulimia nervosa, depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, and sleep problems

However, men are more likely to complete suicide.

Sex Differences in Methamphetamine-Induced Behavioral and Cognitive Changes 

Although consequences of methamphetamine use have been observed across all people,  physical, cognitive, and behavioral responses have shown to differ in males and females.

Cleveland State University

Health Psychology research studies relating to Methamphetamine Use Disorder include:

- Sex differences in methamphetamine use disorder and potential therapeutic impacts
- Exercise and cravings among individuals with methamphetamine use disorder in residential social model-based treatment

Health Psychology Research Relating to Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Daiwile, A. P., Jayanthi, S., &amp; Cadet, J. L. (2022). Sex differences in methamphetamine use disorder perused from pre-clinical and clinical studies: Potential therapeutic impacts. Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews, 137, 104674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104674 

Sex differences in methamphetamine use disorder perused from pre-clinical
and clinical studies: Potential therapeutic impacts

Psycho-physiological cravings have been found to be a clinical predictor of poor treatment outcomes, including relapse, among those who use methamphetamine. Research supports the importance of examining and
addressing craving in relation to reducing the risk of relapse.

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