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IntroductionImpulse control disorders (ICDs) are an adverse effect of dopamine agonists (DAAs) that affects the quality of life and can lead to legal, criminal and familiar problems.ObjectivesPresenting a review of the mechanisms, prevalence and factors associated with the development of an ICD due to DAA use.MethodsSearch on Pubmed database with combination of the following keywords were used: “Impulse control disorders”, “dopamine agonist” or “therapy”. We focused on data from studies published between 2015 and 2020. The articles were selected by the author according to their relevance.ResultsDAAs are mainly indicated in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), and are also used on symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and prolactinoma or lactation inhibition. Dopamine replacement therapy act on dopamine receptors in the nigrostriatal and the reward pathways, which plays a role in addictive behavior. The prevalence of ICDs ranged from 2.6 to 34.8% in PD patients and a lower prevalence in RLS patients. Some of the ICDs reported were pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, obsessive hobbying, punding, and compulsive medication use. The factors associated with the development include the type of DAAs, dosage, male gender, younger age, history of psychiatric symptoms, earlier onset of disease, longer disease duration, and motor complications in PD.ConclusionsFurther studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiology of the ICD in DAA therapy and determinate premorbid risk factors. The percentage of patients with ICDs is underrated, so it’s important to improve the patient’s evaluation, using validated and consensual assessment tools.

IntroductionRecently, several studies have shown both positive and negative impacts of social media on mental health. However, little is known regarding the reasons for the negative impact of social media on mental health.ObjectivesTo evaluate the role of social media on mental health.MethodsWe reviewed the documentary ‘The Social Dilemma’ released on Netflix in September 2020, which explored the role of social media in our life. The documentary discussed the behind the scene development of the social media world.ResultsThe central message from the documentary is that all the social media applications we use are capable of hijacking the thought process of your brain and are consciously designed by the artificial intelligence technology in a way that one spends more time on them. It collects users’ data such as topics they like, follow, search, subscribe, shop, and several others. Based on this data it feeds you the information according to your taste and next time you log in on the website, you spend more time on it. This causes positive reinforcement, the more time you spend on a particular topic, the more you will be presented which results in addictive behavior.ConclusionsIt is known that social media addiction is prevalent, and it affects brain like drug and alcohol addiction. This documentary provided technological insight into this type of behavior. Though social media has its pros, it has numerous cons despite being used for right intentions. Better regulatory measures are needed to prevent psychological disorders related to social media usage.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

IntroductionA frequently observed fact in clinical practice is the relationship between Substance Abuse Disorders and Personality Disorders (PD). Epidemiological investigations have found that diagnoses of PD seem to increase vulnerability to other pathologies, including substance abuse and addiction, and it is possible to speak of comorbidity or dual pathology.ObjectiveTo describe the comorbidity between PD and substance abuse disorders.MethodsSystematic review of the literature on the subject. The databases consulted were Dialnet, Pubmed and Cochrane.ResultsThe various studies allow estimating that between 65% and 90% of subjects treated for substance abuse or dependence have at least one concomitant PT. Studies show a higher prevalence of Cluster C for alcohol consumption and Histrionic, Narcissistic, Boundary and Antisocial Disorders (Cluster B) for illegal drugs, mainly cocaine. Cluster B is the one that the literature has most related to substance use. It is also the group in which there is a greater predominance of impulsivity, which would be worth remembering its role as a vulnerability factor for addictions.ConclusionsWhat the research has shown is that a good deal of the problems that accompany substance use come from dysfunctional patterns of behavior that are maintained over time with high stability and can justify, in part, both the persistence of The addictive behavior as the difficulty of handling the patients who present them. At present, although the high comorbidity between TP and substance use is sufficiently documented, many questions still remain to be solved.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionUnder contemporary social circumstances, there is a tendency to increasing of amount of persons disposed to addictive behavior (AB) as a mean to remove psychoemotional tension and to solve their significant problems. This tendency raises in patients with neurotic disorders (ND) that influences on clinical manifestations of the pathology and impedes diagnosis and timely care for this category of patients.AimTo investigate AB in the structure of neurotic disorders (F44.7, F40.8, F48.0).MethodsAssessment of personal addictive status with AUDIT-like tests to detect disorders related to substance and non-substance abuse; 109 patients with ND (main group) and 52 persons without ND (control group) were examined.ResultsIt was revealed that patients with ND had significantly higher risk of AB formation (59.73% compared with 21.15% in healthy persons; P < 0.0001). According to the group comparison, in patients with ND levels of AB expression on parameters of “Job” (12.06 points), “Food” (11.98 points), “Internet” (11.10 points), “TV” (8.82 points), “Shopping” (6.59 points) were significantly higher than in healthy persons (9.73; 9.23; 9.00; 7.38; 4.25 points, respectively; P < 0.05). However, levels of keenness on computer were significantly higher in healthy persons (3.48 points) than in patients with ND (2.34 points; P < 0.05). AB connected with substance abuse was not registered in the groups.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the patients use AB in forms of food, Internet, job, TV, shopping dependencies as a subconscious mechanism substituting unsatisfied needs and decreasing motivation-emotional tension under conditions of a frustration conflict.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionOne of the main risk factors for both HIV-infection and syphilis is addictive behavior.The objective of the study was to determine the impact of addictions on the HIV and syphilis coinfection.MethodSixty-five HIV-infected patients with syphilis were examined by a clinical method.ResultsThe sample included 45 men (average age 32.09 ± 9.83) and 20 women (average age 31.7 ± 5.97). All patients were characterized by risky behavior. Seventy-one percent of men belonged to the category of men who have sex with men (MSM). Eighty-five percent of women had drug dependence (as compared to 61% for men who have sex with women (MSW) and 19% for МSМ; P < 0.05). Women were more likely to have opiate dependence (P < 0.001; as compared to men). We revealed a high incidence of drug addiction and alcoholism with the prevalence of dependence on opioids (F11; 55.0%; 7.7%), polysubstance use (F19; 25.0%; 23.1%) and alcoholism (F10; 50.0%; 61.25%) among women and MSW respectively (P < 0.05 as compared to MSM). Only 50% of women and 23% of MSW were in remission. MSM regularly consumed stimulants and cannabinoids without developing dependence.ConclusionsInjecting drug use is typical of women and MSW and plays a leading role in the risk factors for HIV infection and syphilis. Addictive behavior among MSM increases risky sexual behavior and thus influences infection with HIV and syphilis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionThe student population seems to be vulnerable to eating disorders (ED) but is this in relation to their ability to express their emotions or alexithymia?ObjectivesStudying the prevalence of ED and alexithymia among medical students, and establish the relationship between these entities.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study of 97 students in Sfax University Medicine (Tunisia). We used:– a questionnaire containing demographic and clinical data;– Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26): a score ≥ 20 indicates ED;– Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20): a score ≥ 61 indicates alexithymia.ResultsThe average age of participants was 24.07 years (± 2.71); the sex ratio (M/W) was 0.4. Their average BMI was 22.85 kg/m2 (± 3.36). They were smoking in 36.1% and sedentary in 43.3% of case. They had a nibbling activity in 57.7%. The average score of the EAT-26 was 11.66 ± 8.66 and prevalence of TCA was 19.6%. The average score of TAS-20 was 50.92, 0.46 and alexithymia was found in 16.5% of students. ED was significantly correlated with nibbling (P = 0.02), BMI or overweight (P = 0.012), smoking (P = 0.006) and physical inactivity (P < 0.00). Also alexithymia was significantly correlated with smoking (P = 0.003) and physical inactivity (P = 0.025). A significant correlation was found between alexithymia and ED (P = 0.008).ConclusionIt is clear from our study an association between alexithymia and the ED. Psychological support aimed specifically alexithymic dimension is indispensable, not only for decreasing the emergence of ED but also contributing to lower any addictive behavior.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionAt the present stage of psychiatry development, the problem of co-morbidity, which is an important factor determining the effectiveness of treatment. One of such tendencies is the combination of neurotic pathology and addictive behavior (AB).ObjectivesTo research AB features in neurotic disorders.MethodologyOne hundred and forty-eight patients with neurotic disorders: neurasthenia (F48.0), dissociative disorder (F44.7), anxiety-phobic disorder (F40.8), according to ICD-10 criteria. Clinical-psychopathological, psychodiagnostic (AUDIT-like tests), statistical methods were used.ResultsIt was found out that the patients with neurotic disorders had a high risk of AB formation (59.73%). The most prominent among AB were: the use of psychoactive substances (tea/coffee [11,682], tobacco [8,091], sedatives [6,964], food addiction [14,036]), as well as socio-acceptable AB, such as Internet (13,527), watching television (9,982), computer games (2,909), shopping (7,264), workaholism (15,018). Socio-demographic characteristics of the generation of neurotic disorders with AB were determined: young age (50.46%), AB presence among the surrounding people (91.64%), a short interval of time between the psychogenic factor exposure and the first signs of neurotic disorder (50.46%). The clinical pattern of neurotic disorders with AB was characterized by a predominance of anxiety-obsessive (35.78%), as well as anxiety-phobic (45.95%) syndromes associated with AB: “Shopping” (−0.32; −0.51, respectively), “Sleeping pills, sedatives” (−0.37; −0.42), “Sex” (−0.41; −0.37) and “Tea/coffee” (−0.34; −0.39).ConclusionsThe data obtained determine AB specificity and should be taken into account in pharmaco – and psychotherapy.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Morbidity and mortality during adolescence is primarily the result of certain risk behaviors. Today, it is observed that early teens contact form with snuff, alcohol and legal drugs and not many of them have a high intake of these substances. Habits such as those mentioned on many occasions not only maintained during adolescence, but the rest of life extend causing major consequences for public health.ObjectivesTo know the magnitude and characteristics of the use of legal drugs (alcohol and snuff) and illegal (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, inhalants) in the – adolescent/child – population who come regularly to addictive behavior unit of a rural environment.Material and methodsDescriptive study of a sample of adolescent patients (n = 30) who came in the past two years to addictive behavior unit. Data collection of such patients is performed by assessing sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, population, education level…), age of onset and type of use of psychoactive substances, and comorbidity of psychiatric disorders.Results/conclusionsThe average age of the adolescent patient is 14.5 years (SD 1.09) with an age of onset in the consumption of toxic 13.6 years (SD 1.03). As for sex, 20% were women. The dropout among adolescents of this sample is 43.3% (SD 1.05). A complete prevalence of marijuana use (100%), and mono-consumers only 10% was observed. Seventy percent of the sample has associated psychiatric disorders and 46.15% in psychiatric family history there; 38.4% up to legal problems are collected.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionMany studies have focused on the strong link between impulsivity and addictive behaviors, such as alcohol use disorders.ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the links between alcohol use and impulsivity in a sample of Tunisian pupils.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in May and June 2016. It enrolled 317 pupils from four colleges and schools in Sfax (Tunisia). The participants were asked to answer a self-administered questionnaire, after their consent. Alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) was used to evaluate alcohol dependence. The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), in its 11th version, was used to assess impulsivity trait. Its three second-order factors were attentional impulsiveness, motor impulsiveness, and non-planning impulsiveness.ResultsThe mean age was 16 years with a sex-ratio of 1.07. The school children reported having drunk alcohol at least once in 18.9% of cases and 41.66% of them still consume. According to AUDIT, 1.6% of alcohol users presented an alcohol misuse and 21.6% presented dependence. According to BIS, impulsivity prevalence (IP) in the whole sample was 27.8% while it was 40% among the alcoholic participants versus 24.9% in non-alcoholic participants. The average BIS score was more important in the alcoholic participants (69.25 versus 65.53; P = 0.011). Alcohol consumption was correlated to attentional impulsiveness (P = 0.01) and motor impulsiveness (P = 0.008). Alcohol dependence was correlated to motor impulsiveness (P = 0.018).ConclusionThese results show the importance of clinically evaluating and intervening on impulsive personality traits to better prevent addictive behavior such as alcoholism among adolescents.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionSelf-mutilations are defined as an intentional behaviour that involves direct aggression to the person's body, without aware suicide intention. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) included self-mutilation as part of the diagnostic criteria for the other specified disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorder or borderline personality disorder. Later, the DSM-5 suggests that this behavior constitutes a separate diagnostic entity. Despite the growing concern regarding the increased incidence of self-mutilation among adolescents, there is still no consensus on the pathogenesis of this behavior. Recent studies have suggested that, in some cases, non-suicidal self-injurious behavior may be understood as an addictive behavior. Based on this hypothesis, several researchers have conducted genetic, neurobiological and clinical studies, to verify the existence of common pathways between these two nosological entities.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to conduct a literature review of studies that propose an additive model for self-injurious behavior, discussing its implications in the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.MethodologyArticles indexed in the Pubmed database were analyzed as well as book and studies published in scientific journals.ConclusionA better understanding of the pathogenesis of self-mutilation is crucial to our diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Unfortunately, studies done on this topic in the past were inconclusive. Further clarification, through new studies, is needed in order for us to help adolescents with this behavior in a more effective way.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionPsychotic disorders were formerly associated with cannabis use. It could accelerate the course of the illness and thus, constitutes a severity factor in terms of prognosis.ObjectivesTo define the socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic profiles of patients suffering from schizoaffective disorder (ASD) and who are consuming cannabis.MethodsA retrospective study of 16 patients diagnosed with ASD, who were hospitalized at the psychiatric department of Tahar Sfar Mahdia's hospital, and whose toxicology test results during the hospitalization came back positive for tetrahydrocannabinol.ResultsSixteen patients were gathered, all male, the average age was 26 years. The average age of first hospitalization was 25 years, 41.9% were unemployed; 76.3% of our sample were single. Three quarters of patients were hospitalized without consent. The average hospital stay was 30.33 days. Our patients had required during their stay an average dosage of antipsychotic, equivalent to chlorpromazine, of 752.42 ± 342.79 mg. The average scores of psychometric scales were: BPRS = 55.72 ± 14.11, SAPS = 41.5 ± 14.80 and 42.11 ± 18.88.ConclusionCurrently, it is recognized that prolonged use of cannabis is an exogenous risk factor. The association between cannabis and schizoaffective disorder may amend the treatment modalities. It requires, thereby, an integrated and simultaneous treatment of schizophrenia and addictive behavior.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionIt is well known that certain personality traits are more linked to drug abuse than others. Psychiatrists are more likely to emphasize the importance of impulsivity in the connection with substance disorders but in the following study we found an important percentage of patients that have a substance abuse were linked to anxiety through impulsiveness as a personality trait.ObjectivesMost youths admitted for a substance abuse are highly impulsive. Our quest was to differentiate what component of impulsivity was more frequently linked to a substance use disorder.MethodsIn the study were included 50 patients admitted in the 3rd Psychiatric Clinic, Substance Dependences Department, Cluj-Napoca. For the identification of the drug abused we used the multitest screening kit in correlation with the results from the Forensic Medicine Institute of Cluj-Napoca. Each patient completed the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and the Swedish Universities Scales of Personality.ResultsHigh scores on BIS-11 strongly correlated with attentional impulsiveness (Pearson's r correlation = .838) which means high inattention and cognitive instability this being linked with anxiety disorders. Cognitive Instability was correlated with Psychic Trait Anxiety (r = 0.29) and Motor Impulsiveness with Somatic Trait Anxiety (r = 0.3). Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE.ConclusionsThe underrecognized anxiety disorders in young adults whom are admitted for an addictive disorder prefrontal cortex is known to be the source of both impulsivity and could be linked to anxiety as well (valence asymmetry hypothesis). Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionUse of the Internet lately has significantly been increased worldwide. The time users spend browsing the Internet is constantly increased resulting to serious consequences incurred in personal, professional and social life.AimThe purpose was to explore whether the economic crisis is affecting the use and addiction to Internet, whether the economic crisis is a risk factor in the appearance of addiction to the Internet and if the occupation and the existence of extra-curricular activities act as barriers to the development of addiction to the Internet on students.MethodsA questionnaire was prepared based on the diagnostic tool IAT (Internet Addiction Test). The survey was conducted in June of 2014 on 632 students.ResultIt was found that 6.2% of the sample population has moderately addictive behavior and 0.5% has a serious addiction. Addiction levels to the Internet are affected by someone working while studying and his monthly income, by daily time spent by the student in activities besides school, by the time spent daily on the Internet and by the operations mostly used. Also found that the risk of developing Internet addiction is higher among students who said they had difficulty paying their bills and Internet subscription and to those who due to economic crisis would stop all their activities in order to obtain money.ConclusionsThe economic crisis is a factor that affects on Internet addiction and occupation and activities may act as a deterrent to the emergence of the phenomenon.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

AimMost current psychotherapeutic approaches are self-focused in terms of focusing attention on how one thinks, feels, behaves or maintains, in one way or another, a pathological chain reactions. The aim of current is to challenge such focus by shifting the focus of attention to serving others rather than analyzing one's self.MethodSixty patients were recruited after heroin detoxification, all have been subject to psycho-education about addictive behavior, craving process and risks of relapse. Half of them (group A; n = 30) were subject to weekly basis classical CBT group sessions while the other half (group B; n = 30) were subject to shifting focus approach where they were encouraged to serve on voluntary nonprofit basis at Alexandria university hospitals with weekly group support sessions to share experiences and encourage action. Patients in both arms were followed for 3 months and evaluated in terms of abstinence rate and quality of life.ResultsBoth groups were balanced in terms of age, marital status, age of onset of abuse, number of previous detoxification, criminal record and score of the Quality of Life Scale QLS at base line before psychotherapy. After 3 months, no difference as regards abstinence rate between both arms (X2 = 1.763; P = 0.288), also no difference between both groups as regards change in QLS score after 3 months (t = 0.039; P = 0.969).ConclusionShifting focus approach shows no difference in terms of abstinence or quality of life improvement compared to classical CBT in non inferiority study.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

IntroductionThe endogenous opiate system (EOS) has been linked to social attachment in classical animal experiments, to addictive disorders (AD) and, more recently, to specific traits of personality through research in genetic polymorphisms and neuroimaging techniques.ObjectivesTo expose the relation between social bonding and AD, via the latest neurobiological findings in the EOS. To propose a theoretical framework which may allow a clinical approach based upon respect and no stigmatization.MethodsLiterature review in MEDLINE database with the keywords “opioid”, “polymorphism”, “object attachment”, “addictive behavior”, “personality”.ResultsPolymorphisms in the mu-opioid receptor gene lead to different attachment behaviors in primates. The EOS in humans has been related to pain and placebo effect and recently, to social rejection and acceptance. Thus, some authors talk about “social pain”. Interestingly, the EOS has a role in harm avoidance and in the reward system. These traits of personality (harm avoidance and reward dependence) predispose to AD, and likely, pathological models of social bonding may drive to a need of palliating excessive discomfort originated by an altered opioid function through addictive behaviors. The origin of AD must be focused on the individual vulnerability rather than in the addictive substance/behavior.ConclusionsThe latest findings in the EOS yield concrete evidences that support the classical hypothesis of an opioid nexus between social attachment and AD, and shift the spotlight from the addictive object to the vulnerable subject. This theoretical framework may ease a clinical approach based upon respect and no stigmatization.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Introduction Impulsivity is recognized as a predisposing factor for addictive, suicidal and aggressive behavior. Aims The aims of our study were to evaluate the level of impulsivity in inpatients and identify risk factors associated. Methods Our study was conducted among 32 inpatients in the psychiatry ward ‘B’ in Sfax, Tunisia. We collected socio-demographic and clinical data and we measured impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), insight using insight Q8 scale and medication adherence rating scale (MARS). Results The mean age of the sample was 36.72 years. Patients had a low socioeconomic status in 50% of cases. They had a criminal record in 25% of cases, a history of suicide in 34.4% of cases and addictive behaviors in 59.4% of cases. Ninety-four percent of patients had a violent behavior. Patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia in 59.4% of cases, suffering from mood disorders in 28.1% of cases, and had manifested personality disorder in 18.8% cases. The percentage of patients with a high degree of impulsivity was 59.4. Patients had poor insight in 75 % of cases and were not adherents to treatment in 65.6 % of cases. Impulsive patients were smokers (p=0.046), had a familial history of violent behavior (p=0.01), had poor insight (p=0.02) and were not adherent to treatment (0.04). Conclusion Impulsive behavior is associated with several factors, including addictive behavior, poor insight and lack of adherence to treatment. It is imperative to detect and treat them in time to avoid serious consequences.

Introduction The mortality rate in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) is 3-4 times higher than in the general population. This excess mortality is mainly related to suicide risk. Objectives – Assess the prevalence of suicidal behavior in patients with BD. – Discuss the risk factors for them. Methods Our study was a transversal type, descriptive and analytical. It was conducted with 60 patients from the psychiatry consultation of Sfax, meeting the DSM-IV-TR criteria of BD. For each, we collected the following: • A record of clinical and socio-demographic data. • Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview “MINI” version 05 to screen for alcohol abuse / dependence. • The Barratt impulsiveness scale “BIS-11”. Results The average age of patients was 41,3 years (21-63 years). The sex ratio (M / F) was 1,1. 45,5% of patients were single. The BD was type I in 81.8% of cases and type II in 18.2%. Family history of BD was noted in 56.8% of patients. 56.8% had a high level of impulsiveness. The prevalence of alcohol addictive behavior was 21.9%. The rate of suicide attempts was 30%. The most used means were: defenestration (38.46%) and hanging (30.76%). Suicide attempts were correlated with a high degree of impulsivity (p = 0.007) and alcohol addiction (p = 0.029). Conclusion Suicide attempts interested almost the third of bipolar patients. Impulsivity seems to be an important factor for increasing suicide risk in BD, with alcohol addiction. Successful clinical management of alcohol use disorders may be critical to reduce this risk in this population.

Introduction Impulsivity refers to a predisposition toward rapid and unplanned reactions to internal or external stimuli, without regard to the negative consequences. It is recognized to be a contributing factor to the high rate of substance abuse and suicide risk in bipolar patients. It is one of the most frequent typical symptoms in bipolar adolescents. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine aspects of impulsivity in adolescents with bipolar disorders Methods We assessed impulsivity in 30 euthymic adolescents with bipolar disorder and we evaluated its association with the following clinic characteristics: suicide attempts, childhood trauma history and substance use history. Impulsivity and childhood trauma history were respectively assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-10), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in validated Arabic versions. Patients were compared with 30 age and gender matched healthy controls. Results The total impulsivity scores as well as subscores of motor and cognitive impulsivity in subjects with bipolar disorder were higher than in control subjects. There was a statistically significant difference between bipolar adolescent and controls regarding the CTQ total. Conclusion Our findings suggest that trait impulsivity is increased among adolescents with mood disorders and is associated with traumatic events in childhood. Therefore the dimension of impulsive aggression and childhood trauma should be systematically assessed in mood disorder patients to address the risk of suicide and addictive behavior.

Introduction Modern researches suggested that the adolescents' addictive behaviors increased and age limit of interest lowered. Objectives to investigate the association of moral religious beliefs (RMB), aggressiveness, anxiety, depressiveness, family relations and addictive behavior of the school adolescents. Methods The sample was consisted from 120 elementary and 120 secondary school students (120 girls) of age from 12-18 years. We used The Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, The Questionnaire for Measurement of Aggressiveness (AG-87), The Religious Moral Beliefs Scale, Perception of Family Interaction Scale. Results The obtained results indicate that the level of RMB was positively associated with the level of the family relationships-acceptance perception, as well as with the level of the academic achievements and the level of student's behavior in the schools. Also, we found that the level of RMB of the school adolescents was negatively associated with the level of anxiety, depressiveness, aggressiveness and the level of perception of family relationships: rejection and control. Furthermore, the level of RMB was negatively correlated with the addictive behaviors of examined adolescents; on the other hand the level of anxiety, depressiveness and aggressiveness was positively correlated with the addictive behaviors of tested school adolescents. Conclusion The religious moral beliefs positively associated with the level of perception the family relationship-acceptance, but negatively associated with the level of anxiety, depressiveness, aggressiveness, with the addictive behaviors and the level of perception of the family relationships: rejection and control. The level of anxiety, depressiveness and aggressiveness positively correlated with the addictive behaviors of tested school adolescents.

Introduction Our knowledge about the effect of internet use on patients with psychotic disorder has not been fully investigated. Objectives The main objective was to investigate the psychological characteristics associated with Internet use in chronically mentally ill, compared to the general population. Aims To explore the levelsof internet use in patients with psychosis and their association with self-esteemand interpersonal relationships. Methods The study involved 101 participants of which 30 were psychotic outpatients (meanage 39 years, SD = 11) and 71 (mean age 34 years, SD = 8) from the generalpopulation. Participants filled out a questionnaire of a) social-demographicand clinical parameters b) Diagnostic criteria Young's Internet addiction, c) Internet Addiction Test (IAT) questionnaire for the diagnosis of Internet addiction, d) The Scale in Interpersonal Relationships (ECRI) and e) The Greek version of Self-esteem Questionnaire (SES, Self-Esteem Scale). Results We found significant statistical differences in terms of internetaddiction (Young's diagnostic criteria: 5/25 vs 6/65, p Conclusions Our results found that a psychotic patient with difficulty ininterpersonal relationships and with low self-esteem is more likely to adopt an addictive behavior in the use of internet in comparison to the general population.

At present the number of suicides and suicidal attempts among the youth arouses alarm. The problem is very urgent for some Russian regions such as Transbaikalye. The suicidal death rate in teenagers has reached 60-80 cases per 100,000 people recently. The purpose is to study social and psychological characteristics of the college students committed suicidal attempts. Methods 420 randomized students aged 15-23 (261 males and 159 females) from Chita were examined. The subjects committed suicidal attempts (31 students) were enrolled in the 1st group, the 2nd group included students who had not committed suicidal attempts. The prevalence of addictions and neurotic disorders were studied. The significance of differences was determined by Student criterion. Results 7,4% of students were revealed to have committed suicides before, with the majority being females (p Conclusion Thus, the students committed suicidal attempts live more frequently in poor conditions, have tendency to addictive behavior and suffer from generalized anxiety, depressive, asthenic and hysterical disorders.

Introduction Suicidal behaviors are increasing in our country and they can be influenced by several factors such as social and cultural factors. It is important for physicians to better elucidate the risk factors in order to develop better strategies for prevention and management. Objectives and Aims To determine socio-demographic and clinical features in Tunisian patients who committed suicide attempts. Methods Retrospective and descriptive study using medical files of patients referred to the outpatients clinic of Razi hospital. Included patients have made a suicide attempt in the period from january to september 2014. Socio-demographic and clinical features were collected. Results Thirty-three patients were included (19 men and 14 women). The mean age was 30.6 years. Most of these patients were single (n=20; 60.6%), unemployed (n=19; 57.6%), with a low education level (n=19; 57.6%) and a low financial income (n=18; 54.5%). Nine of our patients went to jail (27.3%) and 8 had a personal history of suicide attempt (24.2%). Eighteen patients had addictive behavior (54.5%) and 7 of them were addicted to many substances (21.2%). Most prevalent psychiatric disorders in our population were adjustment disorder (57.6%) and depression (39.4%). Personality disorders were found in 18 patients (54.5%). 57.6% of patients used drugs for their suicide attempts Four patients were hospitalized and 82.2% of patients were lost afterward. Conclusions Suicidal attempts were associated with a disturbed and unsettled social and familial life leading to personality disorders. Furthermore, we noticed the high prevalence of addiction behaviors and bad treatment compliance.

Background Impulsivity is recognized as a predisposing factor for addictive and suicidal behavior in bipolar patients. We aim to study the impact of childhood traumatic experiences on the development of impulsive behavior in patients with bipolar disorder and the particularties of these patients Methods Case-control study during a period of six months. Euthymic patients with bipolar disorder were enrolled. The two groups were compared by the scores of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-10) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Results The total impulsivity scores of motor and cognitive impulsivity in subjects with bipolar disorder were higher than in control subjects (with respectively p=0,001 ; p=0,005 ; p=0,002). There was a statistically significant difference between bipolar patients and controls regarding the CTQ total (p Conclusion It is interesting to routinely use impulsivity scales (especially the BIS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire as indicators of high risk of addictive behavior in bipolar patients. This is paramount in order to develop appropriate therapeutic measures for this group of patients, often responding poorly to standard care.

The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common diagnosis in child psychiatry, and persists so often in adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD are very different in adults, with less hiperactivity and a slight decrease in impulsiveness and there's a high rate of comorbidity, such as drug addiction, anxiety and personality disorders, so diagnosing ADHD in patients with substance use disorder is a complicated process in which a screening tool may be useful, for example, the ‘Adult ADHD Self- Report Scale’ (ASRS v1.1), proposed by the WHO. The use of structured interviews, together with a systemised evaluation of possible comorbid disorders, makes it easier to reach a correct differential diagnostic. So, it presents a special interest given to aspects concerning epidemiology, diagnosis, progression and treatment. We want to know more about the relationship between the presence of symptoms consistent with ADHD in patients who are receiving ambulatory treatment for abuse/dependence cocaine in the Addictive Behavior Unit of Albacete and their sociodemographic characteristics, so we will realized an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study during a period of one month, using the ‘Adult ADHD Self- Report Scale’ (ASRS v1.1). The conclusion will be focused on the importance of screening for ADHD symptoms in patients with a diagnosis of substance disorders and propose interventions believed helpful in improving management of ADHD and outcome.

The increase of substance use disorders (SUD) including alcoholism was observed in military population in many countries. The aim of the study was to determine the personality determinants that contribute to the development of various forms of addictive behavior in naval institution students. Screening method surveyed 260 students. For the risk detection of SUD (CAGE-AID, Fagerstrom test) and behavior addictions (Killinger workaholism test, 20 questions of Gambler Anonymous society, The Exercise Addiction Inventory, K.Young Internet-addiction questionnaire) were used. To study the personality characteristics Kettell questionnaire, ‘Deviant Behavior Tendency’ test and V. Rusalov questionnaire for Individuality Formal Dynamic Properties of were utilized. The study found the risk of SUD in the half of naval institution students and one quarter had a high risk level. Half of the students had tobacco dependence. The risk of behavior addictions does not exceed the population level. A high correlation between the risk of SUD and behavioral addictions was found. Personal characteristics like dominance in combination with uneasiness and courage, together with low emotional sensitivity were observed to be psychological determinants of addictive behavior. It is required to set up special programs to reduce the SUD risk in naval students.

We assessed 1084 teenagers. In 364 (33.6%) of them Internet-addictive behavior was found. According to results of neuropsychological tests Internet-addictive adolescents compared with healthy adolescents were characterized with flatness of hemi-sphere reciprocity, functional insufficiency of hemi-sphere commissures and sinister anterior lobe – it causes fatiguability, deficit of mental alertness and deficit of regulation of behavior. Virtual environment, in particular, virtual games, stimulate CNS and enhance mental alertness. Longtime warm activity in cyberspace results higher fatiguability, which intensifies Internet addiction. Thus vicious circle of Internet addiction forms. Emotional intellect is significantly lower in Internet-addicts than in healthy adolescents – as a result Internet addicts have problems in identifying emotional state of people, in understanding of relationship and as a result in social adaptation. Internet-addictive adolescents are characterized with high impulsiveness, insufficient mental alertness and behavior and emotional self-control which also results maladjustment. Adolescents with excitable, introversive and asthenic-neurotic personality traits have high risk of Internet addiction. Family education of Internet addicts is characterized with either hyper either hypo protection either ambivalent type. To summarize in Internet addicts functional insufficiency of CNS is the source of personality traits as impulsiveness, excitability, hyperprosexia, deficit of mental alertness and deficit of regulation of behavior and emotions. Disharmonious type of family education results in enchancement of personality traits and maladjustment. Biological basis and disrupted family education complicate forming of emotional intellect which is needed for social adaptation. All these factors result escape of adolescent into virtual environment, in which adaptation is easier.

Neurobiological bases of substance addictions and behavioral addictions. Recent years research has increasingly unraveled the neurobiological processes underlying addictive behaviors. Of importance, these pathogenetic mechanisms are hypothesized to play a role in many, non-chemical, types of addictive behaviors. This has been most explicitly documented in the case of pathological gambling, which has been included recently into the section on addictive behaviors of the DSM5. For other types of behavioral disorders such as obesitas, online gaming, and ‘sex-addiction’ findings on their underlying neurobiological basis remain limited. Within the scope of this presentation an overview will be presented of the current state of the art reflecting the neurobiological basis of addictive behavior. Specifically the non-chemical types of addictive behavior will be focused.

Introduction Internet addiction is an emerging disorder, considered as a form of behavioral addiction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate internet addiction among medical students, undergraduates. Subjects and methods Our study was cross-sectional and descriptive, interesting a sample of 60 students, undergraduate medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine of Sfax- Tunisia. We performed self-award of: - Questionnaire YIAT: Young's Internet Addiction Test (8 items). A score> = 5 was considered pathological - And a predetermined questionnaire assessing the frequency and reasons for the use of the social network site Facebook. Results Among the sample, 23.6% was diagnosed as Internet addicts. The prevalence of Internet addiction did not vary with gender. Consumption of tobacco or alcohol was found associated with 11% of students. As for the use of the social network Facebook, 20% of students perceive their connection as excessive and 36.4% hold back hard not to see their facebook account. The use of facebook as a mean of entertainment and information on recent events were the most frequently reasons found in respectively 58.2% and 87.3% of cases. A correlation was found between internet addiction and the perception of the student to have an excessive use of facebook (p =0.02). Conclusion Our results are consistent with the literature data on the prevalence of internet addiction. This relatively high rate leads to pay more attention to this particular type of addictive behavior, particularly that associated with other psychopathologic problems, especially social anxiety, which should be sought.

Objective Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is well known as a regulator of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. However, studies suggest that ANP also plays an important role in the neurobiology of anxiety. Recent evidence suggests that ANP may be involved in the pathophysiology of addictive behavior. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of ANP on alcoholdependent patients’ anxiety, perceived stress and craving during alcohol withdrawal. Methods A sample of 59 alcohol-dependent inpatients was included in the analysis. A blood sample was taken at day 14 of detoxification in order to assess the concentration of ANP in plasma. In parallel, we assessed patients’ alcohol craving, using the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS), as well as their symptoms of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI). Patients’ stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results We found a significant negative association between patients’ ANP plasma concentrations and their anxiety, craving for alcohol, and perceived stress. Regression analyses suggest that ANP is a significant predictor both for patients’ perceived stress and for the severity of their anxiety during early abstinence. Additionally, we were able to show the association of patients’ ANP plasma levels and craving to be mediated by their perceived stress. Conclusion Our results suggest that the association of patients’ ANP plasma levels and craving is mediated by their perceived stress. For this reason, intranasal application of ANP may prove to be a new avenue for the treatment of alcohol dependence in patients exhibiting high levels of perceived stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate personal and emotional features of the adolescents with the Internet-addictive behavior. Material The sample comprised 542 adolescents with 218 females (40,2%) and 324 males (59,8%). The mean age was 15,5 years. The main experimental group (46 adolescents) included only those respondents who had high levels of Internet addiction combined with the objective data from the questionnaire. The control group consisted of adolescents with no signs of Internet-dependent behavior of comparable age and sex (213 adolescents). Results The group of adolescents with Internet-addictive behavior revealed the predominance cyclothymic, labile, asthenoneurotic, sensory, anxiety-pedantic, introverted, excitable, demonstrative and unstable types. We suggest that when characterological traits reach a level of accentuation, that becomes the factor associated with the formation of Internetaddictive behavior. The adolescents with problems of using the Internet show the general emotional instability, the tendency to experience the polar emotions simultaneously; they are excitable and have the aggressive style of communication. One of the main features of their characters is sensitivity to the danger, anxiety that caused the need to escape from the “harsh” reality. It could also be proposed that the adolescents with Internet addictive behavior separate emotions and cognitions, physicality and mentality. They isolate their own feelings and attach greater importance to the intellect. That cause the feeling of themselves as the subjects, more to do with information than with emotions, which could be poorly understood and classified.

Introduction Several epidemiological studies revealed prevalence-rates of Internet Addiction (IA) - which was currently proposed as an independent disorder for DSM-5 - ranging from 0.5 to 1 per cent. Above all, patients with IA show psychopathological patterns (craving, tolerance, withdrawal, mood modification, relapses) comparable to substance-related disorders. Besides, IA is frequently accompanied by various comorbidities, such as anxiety, depression or personality disorders. Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess typical clinical characteristics and disorder-specific cognitive styles in a subgroup of patients with IA and an underlying Borderline Personality Organization (BPO) in a consecutive sample of over 450 treatment-seekers in an Outpatient Clinic for Internet and Computer game Addiction. Methods 20 patients, who fulfilled both: the diagnostic criteria of IA and a Borderline Personality Disorder were compared with a matched control-group of BPO-patients without psychopathological but extensive Internet use. Both groups were assessed with the FGG (Questionnaire on borderline-specific cognitions and feelings, Renneberg et al., 2004) and further psychological features (e.g. global assessment of functioning (GAF), self-efficacy (SWE) and sensation seeking). Results BPO-patients with IA show an increased mean of the total score of the FGG as well as of further clinical measures. The results lead to the assumption, that BPO-patients with IA use more disorder-specific cognitions, show higher mental strains and lower levels of health-related well-being compared to BPO-patients with only an extensive internet use. Conclusions Internet addictive behavior in BPO-patients may serve as avoidance behavior in order to subdue the burden of the primary disease.

Introduction Several studies suggest mental disorders and substance misuse to be associated with a higher rate of violence and crime. The aim of this study was to determinate the correlation between addictive behaviours and criminal offences in patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Methods Twenty-eight subjects with bipolar disorder were recruited from the forensic psychiatry service in Razi hospital and each one was compared with two patients suffering from bipolar disorder, correlated in gender and age and without history of criminal behavior. Data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 Results The most frequent crimes committed by patients (about two thirds) were nonviolent (theft, pyromania, fraud, falsification of documents, damage to a property…). The rate of criminal behavior was highest during manic episodes: 51, 7%. Substance use was present in 66,7% of patients with history of criminal behavior against 30% in the comparative group. This association was significant (p = 0,002). The odds ratio was about 5. Conclusions Our study suggests that comorbid bipolar disorder and addictive behavior may significantly increase the risk of criminality.

Introduction Binge eating shares some similar clinical features with addictive disorders, such as impulsivity, altered reward sensitivity, and compulsive behavior. Some authors support the concept of food addiction for both conditions, whereas others argue against it. Objectives To review arguments in favor or against the concept of food addiction, and its relation with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Aims To discuss and explore the concept of food addiction, and how it may be related to bulimic-type behaviors. Methods MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies undertaking analyses of evidence in favor or against the concept of food addiction, published between 2000 and 2012, by using combinations of the Medline Subject Heading terms addictive behavior and bulimia. Results Several arguments in favor of the concept of addictive properties of food are present in many of the reviewed articles. However, many differences between substance addiction disorders and the so-called “behavioral addictions” are reported in the literature, underlining different neurobiological, psychological, and environmental mechanisms. Conclusions There is no consensus in the current literature regarding the concept of food addiction. Further studies concerning the issue are, therefore, warranted.

Relevance Acculturation of aborigines of Siberia and Far East of Russia was characterized by destabilizing influence of migrants and adoption of alien traditions of alcohol use. Among migrants of new wave, number of socially maladjusted migrants with depression, suicidal and addictive behavior has grown. Objective To define factors of prevention of alcohol-related over-mortality of native population based on monitoring of medicosocial indices of substance abuse situation, clinical dynamic and prognosis of alcoholism in differentiated groups. Material and methods Clinical-epidemiological and clinical-psychopathological screening of revealed (ICD-10) alcoholic patients among arctic group (Evenks, Chukchi, Koryaks, Eskimos) of north-Asian mongoloids (n=735). Group of comparison - 90 patients (F10.2) male Caucasians from this locality. Results Aborigines of Siberia show high frequency (50-65% in both sexes) of mental disorders. Men are characterized predominantly by alcohol dependence syndrome (maximum at age of 26-35 years), women - by affective disorders. Malign character of alcoholism determines high lethality of young men from suicide, alcohol-related accident, complications of comorbid somatic pathology with deformation of sex-age pyramid at 25—40 years. Severe degradation of personality (psychopath-like, cognitive defects) is typical; psychopathologic transformation of intoxication with aggression precedes development of withdrawal syndrome. Discussion Marginalization of new migration wave promotes formation of various forms of mental desadaptation, hetero (homicidal) and auto-aggressive (addictions, suicides) behavior. Factor of prevention of negative consequences of acculturation is monitoring of mental health both of aborigines and migrants. Significance is acquired by ethnological expertise of possible consequences of current migration processes for ethnodemographic parameters of scanty ethnoses.

Introduction Several studies suggest that people with serious mental illness represent a higher risk of violent acting out than the general population. Objective To evaluate the prevalence of violent behavior in psychiatric patients and compare the group of patients who committed violent acts with nonviolent patients to identify risk factors for violence. Methodology A retrospective-comparative study was conducted among 160 patients hospitalized in the psychiatric service D of the hospital Razi during the period between 1 July 2011 and 15 October 2011. Results Among the patients in our sample 78.75% (N = 126) had submitted an act of violence during the month before hospitalization. The male gender was correlated with violence (OR = 2.7). History of violence and criminal history had significant correlations with violence with OR = 2.5. Schizophrenia diagnosis was the most represented among the mentally ill violent. Monitoring irregular and poor adherence to treatment were important risk factors with OR = 2.6. Addictive behavior was found among 49.2% of violent patients. Substance use was correlated with violence (OR = 4.5). Conclusion It is interesting to note that in recent years the interest of clinicians to the question of violence among the mentally ill has increased. There is also an evolution of psychiatric practice with dimensions of legal framework more rigorous. Clinicians and forensics must continue to work together in this area.

Introduction Our work is a statistical study of the service closed EHS OUED AISSI on involuntary admissions for 24 months (2010–2011), hospitalized patients “ngerous”hich requires a program of support particular. Objectives Analyze the different characteristics of hospitalized patients. Study modes most - frequent hospitalizations. Evaluation of the notion of repeating the conduct forensic. Improved quality of care for hospitalized patient’s long term. Study period: two years. Materials and methods The department closed the EHS OUED AISSI on involuntary admissions for 24 months (2010-2011). The total sample of 58 patients. Results 50% of hospitalized patients are aged between 31 and 40 years and 82.75% are male. 93.10% of hospitalizations were involuntary admissions. The majority of patients (89.65%) are not working, and 79.31% are single. 41.37% of patients have a primary education and 56.89% have a high socio-economic means. The reason for hospitalization most common (50% of cases) is conduct disorder with straight aggression and 17.24% have a history of prison. 37.93% of patients have a history of addictive behavior. The diagnosis of Paranoid Schizophrenia is placed in 65.51% of patients. Conclusion In society should always seek a balance between health and social justice that is to say between prison psychiatric hospital and social inclusion. The hospital closed in the service is a means of protection and care for patients classified as dangerous for themselves and for society. The psychiatrist must be at the interface between medicine and justice, in its psycho-social dimension.

Pathological media use (PMU) seems to emerge as a major mental health problem in children and adolescents. Although not yet broadly recognised by addiction research, there exist clinical and neurobiological implications, that PMU resembles classical adolescent addiction patterns such as with marihuana or alcohol. As part of either the dependency or of the out-patient psychotherapy programs in a large mental hospital covering inner-city Berlin a diagnostic and treatment system was established in April 2009 for internet addicted youth. From 4–9/2009 we could administer 27 severe male “PMU”-cases with all signs of clinical dependency, both neuropsychological and somatic, including cardiovascular problems, severe craving and pseudo-hallucinations. 12 patients showed severe identity conflicts apart from their psychiatric disorders and chronic family conflicts. There seems to be a small but severely ill subgroup of multiple media users that develop social isolation, craving and other features of addiction. Using the clinical diagnosis PMU offering an out-patient approach must consider severe chronic intrapsychic conflict as well as psychiatric disorders. Obviously intense research as well in epidemiology as in clinical treatment is needed in this worldwide broadening area.

In the daily clinic, patients with internet addiction show psychopathological patterns (tolerance, withdrawal, interpersonal conflict, mood modification, relapse) comparable to substance-related disorders. The outstanding psychological symptom which is reported by patients suffering from Internet addiction is the irresistibly urge to ‘be online’, which may cause psychobiological harm for the user and can lead to an addictive behavior. Also in the recent research literature it is assumed that Internet addiction as a subtype of behavioral addictions has commonalities in etiology, comorbidity and physiology with classical substance use disorders. Several representative epidemiological studies from different European countries revealed prevalence-rates of internet addiction in the general population ranging from 0.5 to 1 per cent. Taken into account that internet addiction is a common health problem, a special short term treatment program for Internet addiction, based on cognitive behavior-therapy (STICA) was developed. A pilot analysis of this manualized short -term treatment was performed in an open trial of the Grusser-Sinopoli outpatient clinic for behavioral addiction. In this trial about 73 per cent of the treatment-seeking patients completed STICA regularly - whereas 27% of the patients terminated treatment prematurely and were considered as drop-outs. First outcomes concerning the change of concomitant assessed psychological measures will be presented.

The aims of the study were to evaluate the prevalence of depression among two samples of patients followed for panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and to identify the correlated factors with depression in both disorders Methods Sixty five patients diagnosed panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, having a follow up in the psychiatric department of University hospital of Sfax in Tunisia, were included in the study. Patients were evaluated by a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic parameters, and the Beck Depression Inventory Results Depression was associated with panic disorder in 68.6% of cases and in 56.7% with generalized anxiety disorder. In the sample of patients having a panic disorder, depression was correlated with unemployment (p = 0.048), a low educational level (p = 0.021), an addictive behavior (p = 0.015) and an impaired quality of life (p = 0.012) For patients having a generalized anxiety disorder, depression was correlated with alcoholism (p = 0.04) and an impaired quality of life (p = 0.017) Conclusion These data confirm the existence of a relationship between depression, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. These clinical findings lead to the unitary concept of anxiety and depression.

IntroductionThere is a need to classify patients at genetic risk for drug seeking behavior prior to or upon entry to chemical dependency programs.MethodsThe prevalence of seven risk alleles (DRD2 = A1; SLC6A3 (DAT) = 10R; DRD4 = 3R or 7R; 5HTTLPR = L or LA; MAO = 3R; COMT = G) and corresponding severity risk score (Low (LS) = 1–36%, moderate (MS) = 37–50%, and high (HS) = 51–100%) were calculated. Group 1 consisted of 16 Caucasian male psycho-stimulant addicts, and Group 2 consisted of 10 Chinese male heroin addicts (9 were genotyped). qEEG and fMRI visualized the impact of Neuroadaptagen Amino-Acid Therapy complex on mesolimbic system activation.Results[Findings by Group]74% of the combined groups had a moderate to high genetic addiction risk score (GARS). One acute dose of KB220-IV variant in heroin addicts having brain abnormalities was found to normalize qEEG. Additionally, a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study involving oral KB220-Z variant established qEEG normalization of reward circuitry in abstinent psycho-stimulant abusers (P < 0.03).ConclusionsWe cautiously suggest that long-term activation of dopaminergic receptors will lead to D2 receptor proliferation and enhanced “dopamine sensitivity,” thus reducing aberrant craving behavior especially in carriers of the DRD2 A1 allele. Although supported by 20 clinical trials, KB220-Z awaits PET scanning to determine its chronic effects on D2 receptor numbers.

IntroductionAccording to schema theory people have categorical rules or templates that they use to interpret the world and guide their behavior. A. T. Beck et al. (1990) and Young (1994) defined maladaptive or dysfunctional schemas as enduring, unconditional, negative beliefs about oneself, others, and the environment which organize one's experiences and subsequent behaviors. Because the early maladaptive schemas have been shown to predict psychosocial functioning and psychopathology it is reasonable to suspect that they might also impact substance abuse and substance dependence.ObjectivesExamining the 3 addict subgroups in terms of EMS factors and comparison of addict patients with control group.AimsTo determine whether there are particular schemas that may be underlying the addictive behavior.MethodsParticipants were 34 opiate dependent, 18 methamphetamine addicts, 30 subjects with heroin dependence and 48 healthy subjects as control group. Addict group had completed at least 6 months of treatment, all were in early full remission. Participants were given the Young Schema Questionnaire-Long Form in order to identify EMSs.ResultsThe results suggest that there are significant differences between the addict and control groups on 8 of the 18 schemas. There was not found any significant difference between opioid and methamphetamine groups regarding mean scores of EMSs or schema domains.ConclusionPeople with schema domains of impaired performance and impaired limits may be more likely to engage in substance dependence and these findings may have implications for drug abuse prevention programs.

The objective and aim of this case-control study was to replicate an earlier finding of a significant relationship between prenatal exposure to famine and substance use disorders later in life and to examine the sex ratio at birth in the study populations. We compared the number of addicted individuals in a population prenatally exposed to a severe hunger period with matched individuals in a non-exposed population. The gender distribution of patients with substance use disorders and healthy controls were calculated and all data were quantified as odds ratios. The findings confirm that prenatal exposure to famine is a risk factor to develop substance use disorder later in life. Men are at risk in particular by exposure to famine during the first trimester, women by exposure during the third trimester. The sex ratio men to women at birth was 3 : 1 in the patient groups compared to 1:1 in the healthy controls. The results were discussed in the light of the possible disastrious future consequences for the hunger regions in our world.

RationalePathological gambling (PG) is a relatively prevalent psychiatric disorder, which is included in the category of Impulse Control Disorders of the DSM-IV TR. It's prevalence is 1%. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter involved in it. Attentional bias (AB) is a phenomenon whereby attentional channelling is directed toward personally valued stimuli, despite an individual's efforts to ignore them. AB have been previously described in several Substance Use Disorders (SUD) such as alcoholism and cocaine use disorders.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the current evidence of the presence of AB associated to PG.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in PubMed (1980-Present) to identify publications that examined the existence of AB in PG.ResultsTo date, two studies have found the existence of an AB in pathological gamblers. Both studies have been performed using a modified Stroop procedure, and report that gamblers show an automatic interference when naming the color of gambling-related words.ConclusionsPG could be conceptualized as an addictive behavior and we can hypothesize a link between addiction and automaticity. There is a relationship between AB (cognitive dimension) and subjective craving (emotional dimension), so that high levels of craving can be both, a cause of, and a consequence of, an elevation of AB of gambling-related cues. Even so, there is little research in this field to date. Further studies are warranted using new paradigms for the assessment of AB in PG.

IntroductionAlthough gamblers and investors have been found to exhibit many common traits, no existing studies associate retail investors with an explicit addictive behavior, or account for the degree of addiction's influence on investors’ and gamblers’ risk attitude and risk perception.ObjectivesThe study explores whether trading in the stock market is a potentially compulsive form of behavior. Furthermore, it explores the psychological risk perception versus economic risk taking of individuals engaged in active stock market trading and those in gambling, for various degrees of addiction.AimThe study aims to develop the profile of an addicted retail investor across demographic and risk variables.MethodsThe South Oaks Gambling Screen (Lesieur & Blume, 1987), adapted for stock market trading, the financial part of the Risk Taking Scale and Risk Perception Scale (Weber et al., 2002) and a demographics questionnaire was completed by a sample (582 responses) of active investors, gamblers and a control group in Greece at three distinctive time periods.ResultsResults suggest that retail trading in the stock market exhibits significant incidence of compulsive behavior (11.2%) across diverse stock market environments, probably more for females. The decision to become an active investor or gambler entails greater risk friendliness. Pathologically addicted retail investors underestimate the risk of trading in the stock market. Demographics also play a critical role in risk perception and risk underestimation.ConclusionThere is an apparent addiction problem between active retail investors that should be taken into account. Psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed.

BackgroundThere is a growing trend to consider pathological gambling (PG) as an addictive behavior. Attentional bias (AB) occurs when the attentional channeling is directed towards emotionally valued stimuli despite an individual's effort to ignore them. This paradigm has been widely used to assess other addictions such as alcoholism and cocaine misuse. AB has been assessed in PG using the modified Stroop procedure. Despite that, to date, other procedures such as the dot-probe task have not been used.ObjectiveTo develop a dot-probe task to assess AB in PG.MethodsWe selected 38 gambling-related pictures that were validated using the Self-Assessment Manikin Visual Analogical Scale (SAM-VAS). This scale measures the pleasure, arousal, and dominance associated with a person's affective reaction to a wide variety of stimuli. We applied the scale to 20 subjects who met DSM-IV criteria for PG and to 20 matched control subjects.ResultsFrom 38 preselected pictures, 25 had an affective valence and enough intensity to be selected for the subsequent development of the dot-probe task.ConclusionsTo date, the modified Stroop procedure has been the only task carried out to assess AB in gamblers. These gambling-related pictures will be used to develop a dot-probe task to assess AB in pathological gamblers. In addition, we will assess the Eye movement task and Event-related Potentials, as direct measures of AB.