Validations of Khat Use Disorder Using DSM-5 Criteria

Khat (a natural stimulant plant) has become a public health concern due to adverse health risks and negative social functioning associated with frequent chewing. While khat is a mild stimulant there is clear evidence of khat use disorder and that some khat users are both concerned with their use and experience substantial and clinically significant problems. Prolonged exposure could lead to khat dependence psychosis and other psychiatric disorders. In this book the presence of khat use disorder syndrome has been validated using DSM-5 criteria and the nature and the time course of any withdrawal syndrome related to the cessation of khat use among frequent khat users has been explored and discussed.