Effects of Chewing Betel Nut (areca Catechu) on the Symptoms of People with Schizophrenia in Palau, Micronesia

Sullivan, Roger J.; Allen, John S.; Otto, Caleb; Tiobech, Josepha; Nero, Karen (August 2000). "Effects of Chewing Betel Nut (areca Catechu) on the Symptoms of People with Schizophrenia in Palau, Micronesia". British Journal of Psychiatry. 177 (2): 174–178. doi:10.1192/bjp.177.2.174. ISSN 1472-1465 0007-1250, 1472-1465 .

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Abstract: Background Although millions of people with schizophrenia live in betel chewing regions, the effects of betel chewing on their symptoms are unknown. Betel nut alkaloids include potent muscarinic cholinomimetics: recent research suggests that these agents may be therapeutic in schizophrenia. Aims To compare the primary and extrapyramidal symptom profiles and substance-using habits of betel chewing v. non-chewing people with schizophrenia. Method A cross-sectional study of 70 people with schizophrenia. Symptom ratings measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS), and demographic and substance-use data, were compared for 40 chewers and 30 non-chewers of betel nut. Results Betel chewers with schizophrenia scored significantly lower on the positive ( P =0.001) and negative ( P =0.002) sub-scales of the PANSS than did non-chewers. There were no significant differences in extrapyramidal symptoms or tardive dyskinesia. Conclusions Betel chewing is associated with milder symptomatology and avoidance of more harmful recreational drugs. These initial results indicate that longitudinal research is merited.

Extra details:

PMID: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11026959
MAG: 2019356428
OpenAlex: W2019356428
CorpusID: 12254496
QID: Q47657695
TLDR: Betel chewing is associated with milder symptomatology and avoidance of more harmful recreational drugs, and initial results indicate that longitudinal research is merited.