Introduction: Addiction is one of the serious health problems worldwide. In Egypt it is a highly growing health problem. Methamphetamine addiction is one of the most dangerous health issues as it is highly addictive drug and its abuse is strongly associated with severe aggressive behavior and violent crimes. Over the past few years; there is an alarming increase in crystal methamphetamine (Shabu) abuse in the Egyptian market. Aim of the study: To describe the clinical characteristics of crystal methamphetamine (Shabu) abuse and to detect its association with aggression and psychiatric disorders Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, it was conducted upon crystal methamphetamine abusers attending Ismailia Mental Health Clinic; they were clinically and psychologically assessed by an expert psychiatrist to determine the presence of aggressive behavior, cognitive impairment and mental health disorders. Results: The study was conducted upon 82 crystal meth abusers. Most participants are males with mean age were 27.4 years, the majority of the participants suffered from headache, numbness and tingling. The study revealed that about half of the study participants had severe degree of aggression, more than half of them had severe depression and more than three fourths had moderate and severe anxiety. Conclusion and recommendations: Crystal methamphetamine abuse is a major risk factor of aggression/violence, depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment. We should pay attention towards early detection and proper management of crystal meth abuse.
Received in original form: 28 January 2022 Accepted in a final form: 30 May 2022