Speakers - 2026

Title: A Case of Kratom-Induced Mood Disorder

Abstract

Kratom, a plant extract from a tropical tree indigenous to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in several countries due to its stimulant and opioid-like effects in low and high doses, respectively. It is marketed as a natural remedy for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and opioid dependence; however, it carries risks such as dependence, withdrawal, and potential psychiatric complications such as mood or psychotic symptoms. This session will explore one such case in which products with active agents of Kratom, namely mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, induced a mood disorder that led to a first psychiatric hospitalization in a 66 year old male.

What will the audience take away from this presentation?

Attendees will leave this lecture with:

1. An overview of Kratom and its recreational use
2. An understanding of the pharmacokinetics of mitraginine/7-hydroxymitraginine
3. The ability to assess risks and benefits of natural remedies such as Kratom
4. An understanding of potential psychiatric disorders that can manifest from Kratom use