Duration of ketamine abuse was associated with lower urinary tract symptoms and low mood

Purpose: This is the first report on the relationship between duration of ketamine abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms and low mood in young adults.

Materials and Methods: After obtaining IRB approval, a structured questionnaire was distributed to young adults who were caught by policemen for using ketamine and were asked to attend educational course in Nov., 2015 and Feb., 2016.

The questionnaire consists of duration and dose of ketamine abuse, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), short form International Inventory for Erectile Function (IIEF-5), female sexual function index (FSFI) and brief score of mood (BSRS-5). Mild, moderate and severe depression is suspected if BSRS-5 sum score are 6–9, 10–15 and 15–20, respectively.

Results: Of 130 persons 14 (11.8%) refused to fill questionnaire. Mean age of the 116 persons was 27.1 ± 4.4 years. Education level of high school or under was 81%. Mean duration of ketamine abuse in 84 persons was 24.5 months. Duration of abuse was <12 months in 32 (38.1%), 12–24 months in 27 (32.1%) and >24 months in 25 (29.8%). Duration of ketamine abuse was positively related to IPSS score (p = 0.05) and BSRS score (p = 0.037). Erectile dysfunction was noted in 19 (28.2%) of 60 male abusers. Dose of ketamine abuse was note associated with IPSS or BSRS.

Conclusion: Most ketamine abusers were male with low educational levels. Duration of ketamine abuse was associated with lower urinary tract symptoms and low mood. In addition, erectile dysfunction was frequently observed in ketamine abusers.