Citation

Rassool GH, bou-Saleh M. Arab J. Psychiatr. 2000; 11(1): 1-9.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Arab Federation of Psychiatrists)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Khat chewing in the United Kingdom, has been largely confined to specific ethnocultural groups such as the Somali and the Yemeni community. In Europe, Khatchewing has also spread among members of the Somali community in Rome. The chewing of Khat is the most common method of use but it can also be smoked and taken as tea. The effects include euphoria, increased alertness, excitement with an improved ability to communicate etc. Various physical and psychological problems have been reported among Khat users. Strong associations have been found between Khat use and histories of anorexia, constipation, insomnia, headaches and respiratory problems. Depression and feelings of anxiety seemed to be less common although various forms of psychosis have been associated with Khat among migrant populations such as the Somali population. The prevalence of tobacco smoking is high among the Khat chewers in the London's study. Although illegal drugs are relatively uncommon among Khat chewers, cannabis use has been reported. It is considered that there are no physical symptoms or withdrawal of Khat or tolerance in contrast to the marked tolerance observed with amphetamine misuse. Despite the widespread of Khat use, few individuals appear to request help with their Khat use. It is clear that the pattern and perceptions of Khat use are changing among the community of Khat chewers.