The Role of Chinese Herbal Therapy in Methamphetamine Abuse and its Induced Psychiatric Symptoms

Repeated intake of methamphetamine (METH) leads to drug addiction, the inability to control intake, and strong drug cravings. It is also likely to cause psychiatric impairments, such as cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. Because the specific neurobiological mechanisms involved are complex and have not been fully and systematically elucidated, there is no established pharmacotherapy for METH abuse. Studies have found that a variety of Chinese herbal medicines have significant therapeutic effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms and have the advantage of multitarget comprehensive treatment. We conducted a systematic review, from neurobiological mechanisms to candidate Chinese herbal medicines, hoping to provide new perspectives and ideas for the prevention and treatment of METH abuse.

[Application of Activities of Daily Living Scale in Mild Psychiatric Impairment Assessment]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the application of activities of daily living （ADL） scale in mild psychiatric impairment assessment under the guideline of Classification of Human Body Disability Caused by Injury.

METHODS

A total of 124 subjects with organic mental disorders and mild psychiatric impairments （levels 7 to 10）, and 106 healthy controls were included in. All participants were assessed by the ADL scale, physical self-maintenance scale （PSMS） and instrumental activities of daily living （IADL） scale. The difference between the scores of control group and study group, and the relationship of impairment level and the scores were compared, and the threshold value was determined according to the ROC curve.

RESULTS

The total scores of ADL, IADL and PSMS were significantly different between the control group and the study group （P<0.05）. The scores of ADL, IADL, PSMS were significantly different among the impairment levels （P<0.05）, which showed a relativity with impairment level. The scores of ADL corresponding to levels 10, 9, 8 and 7 were 14-17, 18-23, 24-29 and 30-34, respectively, which showed a good correlation between the conclusion according to the scale and the expert's opinion （κ= 0.914, P<0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

The score of ADL was significantly related to mild psychiatric impairment, and the higher ADL score represents the more severe disability, which can be used as a reference index for preliminarily judging the level of mild psychiatric impairment.

Psychiatric impairment ratings in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

It is accepted practice in Australia and New Zealand for psychiatric impairment rating scales to be applied for persons claiming psychiatric injury. These scales were derived for adults, not children. There is less clarity as to whether and how these scales may be applied for children claiming psychiatric injury.

METHODS

We review Australian and New Zealand guidelines and methods for assessing permanent psychiatric impairment, as they apply to children and adolescents.

RESULTS

With significant caution, psychiatric impairment rating scales can be administered for children. Guidance and recommendations in this regard are provided. For some, the effects of psychiatric injury may not be stable, and permanent impairment assessment should be delayed until sufficient maturity occurs.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric impairment rating scales are widely applied for adults claiming psychiatric injury, however caution must be exercised when these scales are used in children.