Mental Health issues include: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Alexithymia, and Work Fatigue 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Health Psychology research studies relating to Substance Abuse include

- ICU Admissions and Alcohol Misuse
- Factors Associated with AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder)
- Alcohol Use and Gender



Health Psychology Research Relating to Substance Abuse

- 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

Genetic Variabilities Among Males and Females with Methamphetamine Use Disorder

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

Of veterans receiving outpatient care at Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, ICU admission within 1 year was 2% for abstinent patients versus 2.5% for severe alcohol misuse. Once discharged from the hospital probability of readmission within one year is 48% for abstinent patients versus 55% for patients with severe alcohol misuse. 

ICU Admissions and Alcohol Misuse

Alcohol Use Disorder, also known as AUD, is linked to an assortment of other health issues, both physically and mentally 

People addicted to alcohol (those with AUD) were studied to see whether they showed insecure attachment styles. Those with anxious-ambivalent and avoidant styles were seen in higher numbers in those with AUD.

Insecure Attachment Styles Linked with AUD

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.

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