DRUG ABUSE CONTRIBUTES TO MENTAL DISORDERS – PSYCHIATRIST

By Adnan Mohamad

KOTA BHARU, March 27 (Bernama) -- Drug abuse is a contributing factor to mental health disorders in the state, according to a psychiatrist at Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Nik Lili Ariantie Ahmad.

She said that based on hospital data last year, a total of 543 patients who attended the specialist psychiatric clinic were found to have substance addiction along with symptoms of mental disorders.

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“For last year’s data, 31 cases were referred to the addiction clinic due to drug abuse issues coupled with mental health symptoms. These patients will receive treatment and are required to attend regular follow-up sessions,” she told Bernama recently.

For patients admitted to psychiatric wards, Dr Nik Lili said it is estimated that nearly half of them have issues related to drug and substance abuse.

According to her, most cases involve adults, but there are also cases among teenagers affected by the abuse of synthetic drugs such as ketamine, methamphetamine, Epam, as well as “mushroom” vape liquids.

Dr Nik Lili said that in certain cases, drug abuse can cause damage to brain function, especially if it occurs at a young age or involves substances, such as glue, that have toxic effects on the nervous system.

She added that the use of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine, which can keep individuals awake for four to five days, may trigger psychotic episodes, including hallucinations and delusions.

On the perception that mental health patients caused by drug abuse no longer crave or remember the substances, she said this is not necessarily true.

“Some patients continue using drugs even while undergoing treatment. Addiction itself is a disease. When they fail to stop, mental health symptoms can worsen.

“In some cases, patients relapse by taking illicit substances to reduce symptoms such as anxiety or depression, but this ultimately worsens their mental health condition,” she said.

Dr Nik Lili said mental disorders related to drug use can occur at various stages, including while the individual is still using substances or during withdrawal phases.

“Whether a person can fully recover depends on the duration of use, type of drug, and other factors including family support and continuous treatment,” she said.

She advised the public to seek early treatment if they experience symptoms of mental health disorders and not to underestimate the impact of drug abuse on mental health.

-- BERNAMA