Search

Background: The use of psychoactive substances to increase cognitive performance while studying has been termed 'pharmacological cognitive enhancement' (PCE). In previous years, several large-scale national surveys have focused on their use by students at university, including drug types, prevalence rates, and predictive factors. The recent coronavirus pandemic brought about widespread structural changes for UK universities, as students were forced to adapt to home-based learning and in many cases reduced academic support. No study has yet focused primarily on the impact of pandemic social restrictions on PCE in students and academic staff, and whether personality and demographic factors reveal user profiles that predict use during the pandemic period. Method: A convenience sample of 736 UK students and staff aged 18-54 (M = 22.2, SD = 5.2) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing PCE prevalence rates, polydrug use, perceived effects, academic self-efficacy and personality during the first year of social restrictions (March 2020 - February 2021) compared with the previous year (March 2019 - February 2020). Results: There was a significant self-reported rise in the use of all drug types (all ps < 0.001) during social restrictions, particularly with Modafinil (+42%), nutraceuticals (+30.2%) and microdose LSD (+22.2%). Respondents also indicated stronger PCE effects for all substances, except alcohol, in comparison to the previous year. Polydrug use with modafinil and other prescription stimulants increased the most during social restrictions. Personality factors and gender identity reliably predicted PCE use and lower agreeableness was often the strongest predictor, followed by identifying as male and lower conscientiousness. Academic self-efficacy and student/academic staff status were not consistent predictors. Conclusion: This is the first survey of UK students to investigate PCE during coronavirus social restrictions and to assess predictive factors. Findings reveal a rise in PCE use and polydrug use which we suggest is because of increased pressures on students created by the lockdown and reduced access to university resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of benzodiazepines is strongly associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents due to their side effects of sedation and drowsiness, which can significantly impair driving performance. The main aim of our study was to investigate the trend of benzodiazepine use over nine years (2015–2023) in a population of 15,988 subjects who had their license suspended for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Among the 15,988 users accessed to our laboratory, 924 tested positive for at least one benzodiazepine. An increase in the number of positive-testing users was observed in the period 2015–2018, followed by a slight decrease in 2019. Overall, the trend of benzodiazepine use was stable over the next four years (2020–2023), with the highest incidence in 2022. The most common benzodiazepines, and/or metabolites, found in urine samples were α-OH-alprazolam (28.66%; n = 366) and oxazepam (27.25%; n = 348). Several cases of mixed positivity were observed in the study population. The main substances taken with benzodiazepines were cocaine and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Our findings suggest that people taking benzodiazepines should be monitored, as these have a relevant impact on driving ability in addition to significant interindividual differences in the behavioral effects of benzodiazepines on driving performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe use of psychoactive substances to increase cognitive performance while studying has been termed ‘pharmacological cognitive enhancement’ (PCE). In previous years, several large-scale national surveys have focused on their use by students at university, including drug types, prevalence rates, and predictive factors. The recent coronavirus pandemic brought about widespread structural changes for UK universities, as students were forced to adapt to home-based learning and in many cases reduced academic support. No study has yet focused primarily on the impact of pandemic social restrictions on PCE in students and academic staff, and whether personality and demographic factors reveal user profiles that predict use during the pandemic period.MethodA convenience sample of 736 UK students and staff aged 18–54 (M = 22.2, SD = 5.2) completed a cross-sectional survey assessing PCE prevalence rates, polydrug use, perceived effects, academic self-efficacy and personality during the first year of social restrictions (March 2020 – February 2021) compared with the previous year (March 2019 – February 2020).ResultsThere was a significant self-reported rise in the use of all drug types (all ps

Frontotemporal lobe abnormalities are linked to neuropsychiatric disorders and cognition, but the role of cellular heterogeneity between temporal lobe (TL) and frontal lobe (FL) in the vulnerability to genetic risk factors remains to be elucidated. We integrated single-nucleus transcriptome analysis in ‘fresh’ human FL and TL with genetic susceptibility, gene dysregulation in neuropsychiatric disease and psychoactive drug response data. We show how intrinsic differences between TL and FL contribute to the vulnerability of specific cell types to both genetic risk factors and psychoactive drugs. Neuronal populations, specifically PVALB neurons, were most highly vulnerable to genetic risk factors for psychiatric disease. These psychiatric disease-associated genes were mostly upregulated in the TL, and dysregulated in the brain of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Among these genes, GRIN2A and SLC12A5, implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, were significantly upregulated in TL PVALB neurons and in psychiatric disease patients’ brain. PVALB neurons from the TL were twofold more vulnerable to psychoactive drugs than to genetic risk factors, showing the influence and specificity of frontotemporal lobe differences on cell vulnerabilities. These studies provide a cell type resolved map of the impact of brain regional differences on cell type vulnerabilities in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Copyright of SMAD Revista Electronica Salud Mental, Alcohol y Drogas is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirao Preto and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although many researchers in psychology, religious studies, and psychiatry recognize that there is overlap in the experiences their subjects recount, disciplinary silos and challenges involved in comparing reported experiences have left us with little understanding of the mechanisms, whether biological, psychological, and/or sociocultural, through which these experiences are represented and differentiated. So-called mystical experiences, which some psychologists view as potentially sui generis, provide a test case for assessing whether we can develop an expanded framework for studying unusual experiences across disciplines and cultures. Evidence for the special nature of "mystical experience" rests on the operationalization of a metaphysically untestable construct in two widely used self-report scales: the Mysticism Scale and the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire. Consideration of the construct in light of research on alterations in sense of self induced by psychoactive drugs and meditation practices suggests that "positive experiences of undifferentiated unity" are not sui generis, but rather a type of "ego dissolution." To better understand the nature and effects of unusual experiences, such as alterations in the sense of self, we need self-report measures that distinguish between generically worded experiences and the way they are appraised in terms of valence, significance, cause, and long-term effects in different contexts.

Abstract Background Interest in the health and well-being of university students has increased in the UK and Ireland in the past two decades as their numbers have grown. Recent high-profile deaths of students after using illicit drugs have highlighted the importance of the topic for policy makers. This scoping review maps the state of the existing literature evaluating use of illicit drugs in university students in the UK and Ireland. It aims to highlight research gaps and inform policy. Method We conducted a systematic search of papers related to psychoactive drug use in university students in the UK and Ireland published before August 2021. The 18 extracted study characteristics included author(s); year of publication; journal; location of data collection; study design; delivery method (e.g., online survey, in-person, postal survey); number of participants; response rate; participant course of study, year of study, degree level (i.e., undergraduate, postgraduate), gender and age; time-period assessed (e.g., lifetime, current use, past 12 months); primary aim; primary outcome; ethical approval; and funding source. Results The PRISMA-guided search strategy identified 1583 papers for abstract review; of 110 papers retained for full-text review, 54 studies met criteria for inclusion for this paper. Primary outcomes were coded into five groups: prevalence and patterns of drug use; factors associated with drug use; attitudes and knowledge about, and motivation for, drug use; supply of drugs; consequences of drug use. The results show that there is no coherent body of research in this area. The prevalence of reported drug use has crept up and the range of substances reported has broadened over time, and attitudes to drugs on average have normalised. However, there are significant methodological limitations that limit the utility of these findings. There was little evidence of published work on prevention of, or intervention to reduce, drug-related harms. Conclusion The domains identified offer a framework for university administrators, researchers and policy makers to understand the potential response to drug use in university students in the UK and Ireland. Recommendations are made to fill the gaps in the research evidence base.

Although psychoactive drugs have their therapeutic values, they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of male infertility. This study highlights psychoactive drugs reported to impair male fertility, their impacts, and associated mechanisms. Published data from scholarly peer-reviewed journals were used for the present study. Papers were assessed through AJOL, DOAJ, Google Scholar, PubMed/PubMed Central, and Scopus using Medical Subjects Heading (MeSH) indexes and relevant keywords. Psychoactive drugs negatively affect male reproductive functions, including sexual urge, androgen synthesis, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. These drugs directly induce testicular toxicity by promoting ROS-dependent testicular and sperm oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, and they also suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary–testicular axis. This results in the suppression of circulating androgen, impaired spermatogenesis, and reduced sperm quality. In conclusion, psychoactive drug abuse not only harms male sexual and erectile function as well as testicular functions, viz., testosterone concentration, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality, but it also alters testicular histoarchitecture through a cascade of events via multiple pathways. Therefore, offering adequate and effective measures against psychoactive drug-induced male infertility remains pertinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with teacher interventions in crisis situations regarding a direct threat of students using psychoactive drugs on school premises, particularly in the difficult period of adolescence: 12–16 years of age. The focus of the research was on teacher interventions in situations where students are threatened by psychoactive substances. The research problem was whether the age and experience of the teacher were determinants of such an intervention. It investigated the relevance that a teacher’s age and experience have on their attitude and manner of intervening on behalf of a student when there is an imminent threat from psychoactive substances. The research investigated the importance of a teacher’s age and work experience in their attitude and the manner in which they intervene. It was carried out from 2017 to 2019 among teachers at middle schools in Bielsko-Biala, using the diagnostic survey method and a questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the results showed no statistically significant difference in teachers’ declarations of readiness for intervention. Regardless of age and tenure, the respondents declared a high readiness to intervene. On the other hand, there were statistically significant differences according to the teachers’ age and seniority in how the intervention was carried out. Teachers from different age and seniority groups (defined by a specific length of service) more often or less often took some of the actions envisaged in the intervention procedure. Thus, it is feasible to speak of a readiness, or lack thereof, to take certain intervention actions.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a chiral psychoactive recreational drug sold in illicit markets as racemate. Studies on the impact of MDMA on aquatic organisms are scarce. While enantioselectivity in toxicity in animals and humans has been reported, none is reported on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of MDMA and its enantiomers in Daphnia magna. For that, enantiomers (enantiomeric purity > 97%) were separated by liquid chromatography using a homemade semipreparative chiral column. Daphnids were exposed to three concentrations of (R,S)-MDMA (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 µg L−1) and two concentrations of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers (0.1 and 1.0 µg L−1) over the course of 8 days. Morphophysiological responses were dependent on the substance form and daphnia development stage, and they were overall not affected by the (R)-enantiomer. Changes in swimming behaviour were observed for both the racemate and its enantiomers, but enantioselective effects were not observed. Reproductive or biochemical changes were not observed for enantiomers whereas a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase and catalase activity was noted at the highest concentration of (R,S)-MDMA (10 µg L−1). Overall, this study showed that sub-chronic exposure to MDMA racemate and its enantiomers can interfere with morphophysiological and swimming behaviour of D. magna. In general, the (R)-enantiomer demonstrated less toxicity than the (S)-enantiomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Alternatives to conventional acute hospitalizations have been particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known on the management and outcomes of COVID-19 in older patient admitted to non-acute settings. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of geriatrics syndromes on functional outcomes in older COVID-19 patients cared in sub-acute units. Methods: Prospective multicenter observational cohort study of patients aged 65 years and older with COVID-19, admitted to sub-acute units in Italy and Spain. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to test the association between geriatric syndromes and other clinical variables, and the functional status at discharge, defined by a Barthel Index > = 80. Results: A total of 158 patients were included in the study with a median age of 82 [Interquartile Range 81, 83]; of these 102 (65%) patients had a Barthel Index ≥ 80 at discharge. In the main multivariable logistic regression model a higher severity of frailty-measured with the Clinical Frailty Scale—(OR 0.30; CI 0.18–0.47), and the presence of delirium (OR 0.04; CI 0.00–0.35) at admission were associated with lower odds of a higher functional status at discharge. Other variables associated with lower functional status were female gender (OR 0.36; CI 0.13–0.96), and a higher number of comorbidities (OR 0.48; CI 0.26–0.82). Conclusion: The study reports a relatively high prevalence of functional recovery for older COVID-19 patients admitted to sub-acute units. Additionally, it underlines the importance of targeting geriatrics syndromes, in particular frailty and delirium, for their possible effects on functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with teacher interventions in crisis situations regarding a direct threat of students using psychoactive drugs on school premises, particularly in the difficult period of adolescence: 12-16 years of age. The focus of the research was on teacher interventions in situations where students are threatened by psychoactive substances. The research problem was whether the age and experience of the teacher were determinants of such an intervention. It investigated the relevance that a teacher's age and experience have on their attitude and manner of intervening on behalf of a student when there is an imminent threat from psychoactive substances. The research investigated the importance of a teacher's age and work experience in their attitude and the manner in which they intervene. It was carried out from 2017 to 2019 among teachers at middle schools in Bielsko-Biala, using the diagnostic survey method and a questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the results showed no statistically significant difference in teachers' declarations of readiness for intervention. Regardless of age and tenure, the respondents declared a high readiness to intervene. On the other hand, there were statistically significant differences according to the teachers' age and seniority in how the intervention was carried out. Teachers from different age and seniority groups (defined by a specific length of service) more often or less often took some of the actions envisaged in the intervention procedure. Thus, it is feasible to speak of a readiness, or lack thereof, to take certain intervention actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background objective indicators of sleep and mental health problems in family caregivers have rarely been reported. Objective to study the use of prescription benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDRD) in Finnish family caregivers and matched controls. Design prospective follow-up in 2012–17. Setting nationwide register-linkage study. Subjects all individuals who received family caregiver's allowance in Finland in 2012 (N  = 42,256; mean age 67 years; 71% women) and controls matched for age, sex and municipality of residence (N  = 83,618). Methods information on purchases of prescription BZDRD, including the number of defined daily doses (DDDs), between 2012 and 2017 was obtained from the Dispensations Reimbursable under the National Health Insurance Scheme register. Background information was obtained from national registers. Results more caregivers than controls used BZDRD, both among women (users per 100 person-years: 17.2 versus 15.2, P  < 0.001) and men (14.6 versus 11.8, P  < 0.001). These differences were largely explained by hypnotic BZDRD use. There were also more long-term BZDRD users per 100 person-years among caregivers than controls, both among women (5.0 versus 4.3, P  = 0.001) and men (5.3 versus 3.8, P  < 0.001). Use of hypnotic BZDRD in number of DDDs was higher in caregivers than in controls, particularly among men above 50 years. Caregivers used more anxiolytic BZDRD than controls from middle age to 75 years but less in the oldest age groups. Conclusions higher level of BZDRD use among caregivers indicates that caregivers have more sleep and mental health problems than non-caregivers. Adequate treatment of these problems and support for caregiving should be ensured for caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The needle-spiking scares in the UK and France are discussed and contextualized through comparison with former outbreaks linked to social fears. The contradictions of our attitudes towards psychoactive drugs, both coveted and feared, are outlined and lead to an analysis of the scares in a folkloric perspective that centers on the notion of ostensive action.

Objective:Abuse of psychoactive drugs for therapeutic purposes is becoming more common due to their addiction potential. In many studies, quetiapine has been reported to be abused with illicit drugs. We aimed to point to the abuse and addiction potential of quetiapine by the rates of quetiapine abuse in blood samples of 4,293 cases who came to our Forensic Toxicology Laboratory by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method.Methods:All cases who were caught by law enforcement officers while using or trading drugs as a requirement of the judicial process initiated were drug users or dealers and then they were brought to our forensic toxicology laboratory to obtain blood and urine samples. Quantification in blood samples was performed in routine laboratory analysis. The cases were asked whether they used any prescription drugs. The therapeutic drug users were excluded in this study.Results:Quetiapine was positive in 50 of 4,293 cases (1.16%). 93.8% (n=4028) of all cases and all of the positive quetiapine were male. While quetiapine was used alone in 11 of 50 cases with quetiapine positivity, quetiapine was used simultaneously with one or more groups of illicit drugs in the remaining 39 cases.Conclusion:In this study, the most common use of cannabis and quetiapine was determined in cases with drugs of abuse. The monitoring of quetiapine is essential for preventing drug abuse especially in prone population such as illicit drug abusers and addicts. Forensic Toxicology Laboratories play an important role in taking necessary preventions related to drug abuse.

Abstract Predator‐inducible defenses constitute a widespread form of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and such defenses have recently been suggested linked with the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is a target of endocrine disruptors, such as psychoactive pharmaceuticals, which are common aquatic contaminants. We hypothesized that exposure to an antidepressant pollutant, fluoxetine, influences the physiological stress response in our model species, crucian carp, affecting its behavioral and morphological responses to predation threat. We examined short‐ and long‐term effects of fluoxetine and predator exposure on behavior and morphology in crucian carp. Seventeen days of exposure to a high dose of fluoxetine (100 µg/L) resulted in a shyer phenotype, regardless of the presence/absence of a pike predator, but this effect disappeared after long‐term exposure. Fluoxetine effects on morphological plasticity were context‐dependent as a low dose (1 µg/L) only influenced crucian carp body shape in pike presence. A high dose of fluoxetine strongly influenced body shape regardless of predator treatment. Our results highlight that environmental pollution by pharmaceuticals could disrupt physiological regulation of ecologically important inducible defenses.

Aim: The article examines the relationship between new psychoactive drugs and segregation in one city (Miskolc), showing the mechanism of its effects. The study indicates that deprived social milieu, poverty, and hopelessness are excellent breeding grounds for this new form of drug crime by structuring drug crime into a crime involving new psychoactive substances (NPS), affordable for the poorer classes, and classic drugs. Methodology: Given the purpose of the research, the study was based primarily on literature and historical data, a review of legal sources, and an analysis of police headquarters case statistics and CSO data. The regulatory efforts of urban decision-makers to address the problem have also been analyzed. With regard to the purpose of the research, the study was based primarily on literature and historical data, a review of legal sources, and analysis of police headquarters case statistics and CSO data. The regulatory efforts made by city policymakers to address the problem were also analyzed. Findings: New psychoactive drugs target slums, thus structuring the drug market. The poor have easy access to NPS, while the wealthier classes turn to classic drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.). The presence of NPS in a given area alters the crime trend and perpetuates underdevelopment. In the long term, it slows down improvement. Law enforcement and judicial instruments are not sufficient to address and reduce it. In addition, the law threatens to lower penalties for dealing in NPS so that even the risk premium is not built into the price of such substances, ensuring easy access for the impoverished. Meanwhile, such chemicals' health and social dangers are at least if not higher than those of traditional drugs. Value: The results may be helpful for city policymakers, crime prevention professionals, and police management. The study has the potential to inform the broader scientific community about the complex dangers of NPS. The study can be an essential starting point for further research into new phenomena of drug crime and the extent of health and social harm associated with new psychoactive substances. As well as to develop new methods and criminological recommendations for law enforcement.

The needle-spiking scares in the UK and France are discussed and contextualized through comparison with former outbreaks linked to social fears. The contradictions of our attitudes towards psychoactive drugs, both coveted and feared, are outlined and lead to an analysis of the scares in a folkloric perspective that centers on the notion of ostensive action [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: People have been using psychoactive substances for a long time. Over the last few years, this practice has spread among university students, who use these substances to improve their academic performance, relieve stress and increase concentration and memory. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the use of psychoactive drugs among healthcare students at a higher education institution in the city of Passo Fundo (RS), Brazil, and to ascertain the associated demographic and lifestyle factors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a higher education institution. METHODS: We included 287 undergraduate medicine and dentistry students in this study. They answered a self-administered questionnaire regarding sociodemographic, lifestyle and health variables. The statistical analysis used univariate and bivariate analyses with Pearson’s chi-square test (P-value < 0.05). Multivariate analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals. The SPSS software, version 20.0, was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of use of psychoactive substances among the students was 24.7%. Among these students, high frequencies of psychoactive drugs had been prescribed by physicians (95.8%) and for the purpose of relaxation or stress relief (73.2%). Women, medical students (compared with dental students) and participants with lower academic performance were more likely to use psychoactive drugs. After the multivariate adjustment, the “course” and “academic performance” remained associated with use of psychoactive drugs. CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence of psychoactive drug use among the students at the higher education institution investigated. Some variables (female sex, medical students and low academic performance) were associated with the outcome.

As the emerging contaminants, the environmental risks of drug-derived pollutants have attracted extensive attention. Citalopram (CTP) and mirtazapine (MTP) are commonly used as modern antidepressant drugs. Previous studies had proved that CTP and MTP entered the aquatic environment, but less reported the negative effects of the drugs on aquatic organisms. Herein, the effects on the feeding rate of Daphnia magna (D. magna) induced by psychotropic drugs CTP and MTP were investigated, which the possible mechanisms were analyzed with the oxidative stress and damage. Generally, the feeding rates of exposed D. magna under all concentrations of CTP and 1.03 mg/L of MTP were significantly decreased after exposure (p

Aim: The article examines the relationship between new psychoactive drugs and segregation in one city (Miskolc), showing the mechanism of its effects. The study indicates that deprived social milieu, poverty, and hopelessness are excellent breeding grounds for this new form of drug crime by structuring drug crime into a crime involving new psychoactive substances (NPS), affordable for the poorer classes, and classic drugs. Methodology: Given the purpose of the research, the study was based primarily on literature and historical data, a review of legal sources, and an analysis of police headquarters case statistics and CSO data. The regulatory efforts of urban decision-makers to address the problem have also been analyzed. With regard to the purpose of the research, the study was based primarily on literature and historical data, a review of legal sources, and analysis of police headquarters case statistics and CSO data. The regulatory efforts made by city policymakers to address the problem were also analyzed. Findings: New psychoactive drugs target slums, thus structuring the drug market. The poor have easy access to NPS, while the wealthier classes turn to classic drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.). The presence of NPS in a given area alters the crime trend and perpetuates underdevelopment. In the long term, it slows down improvement. Law enforcement and judicial instruments are not sufficient to address and reduce it. In addition, the law threatens to lower penalties for dealing in NPS so that even the risk premium is not built into the price of such substances, ensuring easy access for the impoverished. Meanwhile, such chemicals' health and social dangers are at least if not higher than those of traditional drugs. Value: The results may be helpful for city policymakers, crime prevention professionals, and police management. The study has the potential to inform the broader scientific community about the complex dangers of NPS. The study can be an essential starting point for further research into new phenomena of drug crime and the extent of health and social harm associated with new psychoactive substances. As well as to develop new methods and criminological recommendations for law enforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Before drawing conclusions on the contribution of an effective intervention to daily practice and initiating dissemination, its quality and implementation in daily practice should be optimal. The aim of this process evaluation was to study these aspects alongside a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a multidisciplinary biannual medication review in long-term care organizations (NTR3569).Design: Process evaluation with multiple measurements.Setting: Thirteen units for people with dementia in six long-term care organizations in the Netherlands.Participants: Physicians, pharmacists, and nursing staff of participating units.Intervention: The PROPER intervention is a structured and biannually repeated multidisciplinary medication review supported by organizational preparation and education, evaluation, and guidance.Measurements: Web-based questionnaires, interviews, attendance lists of education sessions, medication reviews and evaluation meetings, minutes, evaluation, and registration forms.Results: Participation rates in education sessions (95%), medication reviews (95%), and evaluation meetings (82%) were high. The intervention's relevance and feasibility and applied implementation strategies were highly rated. However, the education sessions and conversations during medication reviews were too pharmacologically oriented for several nursing staff members. Identified barriers to implementation were required time, investment, planning issues, and high staff turnover; facilitators were the positive attitude of professionals toward the intervention, the support of higher management, and the appointment of a local implementation coordinator.Conclusion: Implementation was successful. The commitment of both higher management and professionals was an important factor. This may partly have been due to the subject being topical; Dutch long-term-care organizations are pressed to lower inappropriate psychotropic drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cannabis products (marijuana, weed, hashish) are among the most widely abused psychoactive drugs in the world, due to their euphorigenic and anxiolytic properties. Recently, hair analysis is of great interest in analytical, clinical, and forensic sciences due to its non-invasiveness, negligible risk of infection and tampering, facile storage, and a wider window of detection. Hair analysis is now widely accepted as evidence in courts around the world. Hair analysis is very feasible to complement saliva, blood tests, and urinalysis. In this review, we have focused on state of the art in hair analysis of cannabis with particular attention to hair sample preparation for cannabis analysis involving pulverization, extraction and screening techniques followed by confirmatory tests (e.g., GC–MS and LC–MS/MS). We have reviewed the literature for the past 10 years’ period with special emphasis on cannabis quantification using mass spectrometry. The pros and cons of all the published methods have also been discussed along with the prospective future of cannabis analysis.

Raphaële Bachtarzi,1 Anne Sophie Boureau,1 Charlotte Mascart,1 Eric Batard,2,3 Emmanuel Montassier,2,3 Pascale Bémer,2,4 Céline Bourigault,2 Gilles Berrut,1 Laure de Decker,1,2 Guillaume Chapelet1,21Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Clinical Gerontology Department, Nantes F-44000, France; 2Université de Nantes, EE MiHAR (Microbiotes, Hôtes, Antibiotiques et Résistance bacterienne), Institut de Recherche en Santé (IRS2), Nantes F-44200, France; 3Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Emergency Department, Nantes F-44000, France; 4Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Bacteriology Department, Nantes F-44000, FranceBackground: The worldwide dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae has become a major health concern. Previous studies have shown that psychoactive drugs have intrinsic antimicrobial activity and may play a role in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to assess the association between prescriptions for psychoactive drug and urine colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.Subjects: Ninety-five patients were included; 19 cases (urine colonization with an ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae) and 76 controls (urine colonization with non ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae); and were matched for age and gender.Methods: A retrospective 1:4 matched case–control study design was used. All patients colonized with an Enterobacteriaceae isolate in Nantes University Hospital from March to November 2014, were screened before inclusion in the study. Prescriptions data for psychoactive drugs were collected from the electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were performed.Results: Thirty-seven patients (38.9%) were treated with psychoactive drugs, of whom 10 (52.6%) were in the ESBL-producing group and 27 (35.5%) were in the non-ESBL group. Mean (SD) age was 71.2 (23.1) years. In multivariate analyses, previous antimicrobial therapy within 6 months (OR=7.12, 95% CI 1.15–44.18; p=0.035) and previous colonization with an ESBL-producing organism (OR=44.87, 95% CI 1.26–1594.19; p=0.037) were associated with urine colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.Conclusions: Our findings revealed that a history of previous antimicrobial therapy and previous colonization with ESBL-producing organisms are important risk factors in an elderly population. Psychoactive drugs were not associated with urinary carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Further studies are required to explore the relationship between psychoactive drugs and colonization with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.Keywords: ESBL, psychoactive drugs, antimicrobial resistance, elderly

BackgroundA common screening instrument for substance use disorders (SUDs) is the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) which includes a short form regarding only drug consumption (DUDIT-C). We aim to assess if a German version of the DUDIT, adapted for adolescents, is a suitable screening instrument in a sample of adolescent psychiatric patients.MethodsN = 124 (54 female) German adolescent (M = 15.6 + 1.5 years) psychiatric patients completed the DUDIT and received a diagnostic interview (MINI-KID) assessing DSM-5 SUD criteria. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), and Youden’s Index were calculated.ResultsA two-factor model of the DUDIT shows the best model fit (CFI = 0.995, SRMR = 0.055, RMSEA = 0.059, WRMR = 0.603). The DUDIT as well as the DUDIT-C show high diagnostic accuracy, with AUC = 0.95 and AUC = 0.88, respectively. For the DUDIT a cut-off value of 8.5 was optimal (sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.91, J = 0.84), while for the DUDIT-C the optimal cut-off value was at 1.5 (sensitivity = 0.86, specificity = 0.84, J = 0.70).ConclusionThis is the first psychometric evaluation of the DUDIT in German, adolescent psychiatric outpatients, using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The DUDIT as well as the DUDIT-C are well suited for use in this population. Since in our sample only few patients presented with a mild or moderate SUD, our results need to be replicated in a sample of adolescents with mild SUD.

Copyright of Bulletin of Legal Medicine / Adli Tıp Bülteni is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Predator-inducible defenses constitute a widespread form of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and such defenses have recently been suggested linked with the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is a target of endocrine disruptors, such as psychoactive pharmaceuticals, which are common aquatic contaminants. We hypothesized that exposure to an antidepressant pollutant, fluoxetine, influences the physiological stress response in our model species, crucian carp, affecting its behavioral and morphological responses to predation threat. We examined short- and long-term effects of fluoxetine and predator exposure on behavior and morphology in crucian carp. Seventeen days of exposure to a high dose of fluoxetine (100 µg/L) resulted in a shyer phenotype, regardless of the presence/absence of a pike predator, but this effect disappeared after long-term exposure. Fluoxetine effects on morphological plasticity were context-dependent as a low dose (1 µg/L) only influenced crucian carp body shape in pike presence. A high dose of fluoxetine strongly influenced body shape regardless of predator treatment. Our results highlight that environmental pollution by pharmaceuticals could disrupt physiological regulation of ecologically important inducible defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Plants of the Gods" is a term referring to the religious meaning members of many primitive cultures worldwide attribute to plants containing hallucinogenic or mind-altering substances. The plants are customarily considered sacred and consumed in religious rituals in an attempt to reach and communicate with gods or revered ancestors. They are frequently used in healing rites. Occasionally, they are used for purely recreational purposes, this being their main use in the modern societies of both industrialized and underdeveloped nations. However, it must be noted that the hallucinogenic or psychedelic experiences, recreational, are not always euphoric. Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers is well-written, fully illustrated with color photographs, and contains a good index. It is an effective compilation of ethnographic, historic, and neuropharmacologic information on the hallucinogenic plants of planet Earth and the psychological and sociological impact they have, particularly in primitive societies. The behavioral side effects and toxic manifestations that may be associated with transient or permanent neurological deficits or psychiatric conditions place them in the realm of neuropsychiatry, when affected individuals present to the emergency room or are referred for medical consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A common screening instrument for substance use disorders (SUDs) is the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) which includes a short form regarding only drug consumption (DUDIT-C). We aim to assess if a German version of the DUDIT, adapted for adolescents, is a suitable screening instrument in a sample of adolescent psychiatric patients. Methods: N = 124 (54 female) German adolescent (M = 15.6 + 1.5 years) psychiatric patients completed the DUDIT and received a diagnostic interview (MINI-KID) assessing DSM-5 SUD criteria. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), and Youden's Index were calculated. Results: A two-factor model of the DUDIT shows the best model fit (CFI = 0.995, SRMR = 0.055, RMSEA = 0.059, WRMR = 0.603). The DUDIT as well as the DUDIT-C show high diagnostic accuracy, with AUC = 0.95 and AUC = 0.88, respectively. For the DUDIT a cut-off value of 8.5 was optimal (sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.91, J = 0.84), while for the DUDIT-C the optimal cut-off value was at 1.5 (sensitivity = 0.86, specificity = 0.84, J = 0.70). Conclusion: This is the first psychometric evaluation of the DUDIT in German, adolescent psychiatric outpatients, using the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The DUDIT as well as the DUDIT-C are well suited for use in this population. Since in our sample only few patients presented with a mild or moderate SUD, our results need to be replicated in a sample of adolescents with mild SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as an abnormal blood pressure reduction when standing and is frequently diagnosed in older adults. Pharmacological therapy is one of the main causes of orthostatic blood pressure impairment, leading to iatrogenic OH. Indeed, several medications may induce hypotensive effects and influence the blood pressure response to orthostatism. Hypotensive medications may also overlap with other determinants of OH, thus increasing the burden of symptoms and the risk of complications. Potentially hypotensive medications include both cardiovascular and psychoactive drugs, which are frequently prescribed in older patients. According to the available evidence, the antihypertensive treatment “per se” does not seem to predispose to OH, even if a higher risk is associated with polypharmacy and drug classes such as with diuretics and vasodilators. As concerns psychoactive medications, OH is a well-known adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone and antipsychotics. The knowledge of hemodynamic consequences of drug therapy may be helpful to improve OH treatment. A medication review is advisable in all patients presenting with OH, particularly at advanced age, aiming at optimizing medical treatment with a view to minimize the risk of iatrogenic OH.

Introduction: Psychoactive drug is a worrisome and emerging global problem. This is a disturbing matter, especially in the case of medical students, as it affects not only their health and academic performance alone but their clinical efficiency as well. This study aims to determine the prevalence of psychoactive drug use among medical students in a medical college in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted after receiving ethical clearance from the Institutional Review Committee (Ref: 258/19) among undergraduate medical students from December 2019 to June 2020. Convenience sampling was used to collect data. Data analysis was done in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Results: The prevalence of psychoactive drug abuse was found to be 76 (44.2%) [CI= 43.6%–44.8%]. The study showed males 59 (59%) were more indulged in abuse than females 17 (23.6%). Alcohol 72 (41.86%) was the most commonly used, then was tobacco 24 (13.95%) followed by cannabis 17(9.88%). Only two students were sedative and opioid abusers. Pleasure 38 (31.70%) and experimentation 29 (24.20%) were the two major causes of substance abuse. Tobacco was used more frequently 14 (58.33%) used daily and found to have more financial and health-related issues in the last three months. Conclusions: Even almost half of the students were using some form of psychoactive drugs, the majority of them were occasional users. Proper counseling needs to be done to address this problem. Further study should be conducted to address the influencing factors and adverse outcomes.

Background Human aging is a universal and regular process characterized by uneven and steady progression, inevitably affecting to some extent all levels of biological organization. In the structure of acute exotoxicosis, patients of gerontological age range from 10.3 to 12.9%. After 60, with an increase of years, there is a growth of mortality rate from 9.8% in elderly patients to 25.5% in long-livers. A certain role in its genesis is played by the premorbid background, i.e. somatic diseases preceding and accompanying acute exotoxicosis.Aim of study To identify the role of concomitant diseases in the course and outcome of acute poisoning by psychoactive drugs in patients over 60. MATErIALS AnD METhODS We retrospectively analyzed hospital records of 99 patients aged 60 to 90 years who died from poisoning with psychoactive drugs at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine in 2013–2016, as well as their autopsy, forensic and histological research data.Results In gerontological patients with acute poisoning with psychoactive drugs, the main premorbid background (100%) is atherosclerotic lesion of the heart and vessels of different degree and extent. In case of lethal outcomes, in toxicogenic stage of poisoning on primary electrocardiograms, myocardial ischemia was revealed in 76.9% of cases, heart rhythm disturbances were detected in all patients, most often in the form of supraventricular extrasystoles (38.4%) and atrial fibrillation (23.1%). In the deceased patients during the somatogenic stage of poisoning, cardiac conduction disorders (31.3%) prevailed. Concomitant chronic lesions of the bronchopulmonary system, including terminal bronchi, contributed to the development of hypostatic pneumonia and its long, migratory course. In 50% of cases, large and small droplet fatty liver disease was detected, which could have a negative effect on the course of poisoning, altering biotransformation of toxicants.Conclusion Atherosclerotic lesion of the heart and vessels, as well as chronic bronchopulmonary disease and fatty liver disease are the main premorbid background factors, which have a negative effect on the course and outcome of acute poisoning with psychoactive drugs.

Specific absorbance (A¦) is defined as the maximum absorbance of a 1% solution over a 1-cm path length measured via spectroscopy. Finding a reliable value for specific absorbance for a drug provides an important tool for the quantitative verification of concentration of analytical standards. Although many new drugs have emerged within the last ten years, many either do not have a reliable value for A¦, or a value simply has never been published. This work focused on determining the quantitative value of the specific absorbance of six psychoactive drugs using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, as well as comparing A¦ values of drugs purchased in 2017 to A¦ of their counterparts purchased in 2019. The drugs analyzed included Iloperidone, Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Vilazodone, Vortioxetine and Suvorexant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Data on the relationship between fall and psychoactive drug use among Turkish older people are limited. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of falls and the associations between psychoactive drug use and falls in communitydwelling Turkish older people. METHODS: This single center study was performed using the medical records of subjects aged over 65 years admitted to the geriatric care unit. Demographic and lifestyle factors, clinical characteristics, medications, and data on mood, cognitive status, and functional performance were obtained from the comprehensive geriatric assessment records. Based on a fall history in the last 12 months, subjects were grouped as fallers and non-fallers. Subjects treated with a psychoactive drug were identified. RESULTS: Among the total of 429 subjects, there were 184 (42.9%) fallers and 245 (57.1%) non-fallers. Of those, 33.3% were on psychoactive drug treatment. The proportion of psychoactive drug users was higher in the fallers group compared to non-fallers (45.1% vs. 24.5%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed age =75 years (OR=1.83; CI: 1.09-3.09; p=0.023), female gender (OR=2.70; CI: 1.6-4.50; p<0.001), and psychoactive drug use (OR=2.14; CI: 1.32- 3.48; p=0.002) as independent predictors of falls. CONCLUSION: We found that about one-third of geriatric outpatients were on psychoactive drug treatment in Turkey that was independently associated with the risk of falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors aim to shed light on the pathways for recovery from problematic use of psychoactive substances when a psychoactive substance turns out to be, paradoxically, the medicine. Keywords: psychedelic; ritual; ayahuasca; plant medicine; psychoactive drugs EN psychedelic ritual ayahuasca plant medicine psychoactive drugs 1 3 3 12/08/21 20211203 NES 211203 The Research Topic here presented is based on first-hand clinical experiences and ethnographic and observational fieldwork studies on practices used or inspired by traditional medicines related in particular to the so-called psychedelics; these are substances known to trigger non-ordinary states of consciousness, which are currently getting more attention in medicine as reflected by the increase in clinical research and a shift in attitude and opinion among public spheres. [Extracted from the article]

Tina Hovgaard Lützen,1 Bodil Hammer Bech,2 Jesper Mehlsen,3 Claus Høstrup Vestergaard,1 Lene Wulff Krogsgaard,1 Jørn Olsen,4 Mogens Vestergaard,1 Oleguer Plana-Ripoll,5 Dorte Rytter2 1Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; 2Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark; 3Coordinating Research Centre, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark, 4Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark; 5National Center for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus V, Denmark Aim: No association between human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and numerous diseases has been found. Still, a large number of Danish women are reporting suspected adverse events. Other factors may play a role, and the aim of this study is to examine the association between psychiatric conditions, general practitioner (GP) attendance and indicators of psychological symptoms prior to HPV vaccination and the risk of referral to an HPV center following vaccination. Study design and setting: Register-based, matched case–control study. Cases were identified from five Danish, regional HPV centers, and health data for cases and controls were obtained from national registries. Participants: Cases were defined as women referred to an HPV center between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 (n=1,496). Each case was matched with five controls on age, region and time of first vaccine registration. The total study population consisted of 8,976 women. Results: Overall, women above 18 years who had been referred to an HPV center were more likely to have used psychiatric medication (odds ratio [OR]: 1.88 [95% CI 1.48–2.40]) or to have been hospitalized because of a psychiatric disorder within 5 years prior to the first vaccine registration (OR: 2.13 [95% CI 1.59–2.86]). Specifically, referred women were more likely to have used antipsychotics, antidepressants, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication or anxiolytics, and to have been hospitalized for affective disorders or anxiety, but not to have been hospitalized for schizoid, ADHD or eating disorders. In addition, they were more likely to have had talk therapy or psychometric test performed prior to vaccination (OR: 1.72 [95% CI 0.1.35–2.18] and OR: 1.67 [95% CI 1.30–2.13], respectively). Referred women of all ages had higher use of GP before vaccination. Population attributable fraction analyses indicated that psychiatric medication, hospitalization due to a psychiatric disorder and use of talk therapy, or psychometric test “explained” 13%, 10%, 12% and 11% of the referrals, respectively. Results did not change substantially when adjusted for potential confounders. Conclusion: Women referred to HPV centers because of suspected adverse events after vaccination more often had preexisting psychiatric conditions, psychological symptoms or frequent GP attendance prior to HPV vaccination. Keywords: papillomavirus vaccines, adverse drug events, psychoactive drugs, general practice

Synthetic cannabinoids which is a subgroup of cannabinoids are commonly used for recreational drug use throughout the whole world. Although both marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids stimulate the same receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), studies have shown that synthetic cannabinoids are much more potent than marijuana. The longer use of synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe physical and psychological symptoms that might even result in death, similar to many known illicit drugs. Main treatment options mostly involve symptom management and supportive care. The aim of this article is to discuss clinical and pharmacological properties of the increasingly used synthetic cannabinoids. [Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry 2017; 9(3.000): 317-328]

The main objective for this article is to explore how users of psychoactive drugs experience time and the role psychoactive drugs play in the management and construction of time. The data in this study consists of different kinds of written documents such as anecdotal accounts and scientific articles and reports which was collected using a purposeful sampling technique. One important result is that time is experienced and constructed differently among users of legal drugs compared to users of illegal drugs. The use of heroin is for example associated with shrinking time-horizons and being afraid of looking back and looking ahead, while smoking cigarettes is correlated with killing chronological time and instituting a parenthesis in normative time. Another conclusion is that users of illegal drugs experience greater problems synchronizing social and subjective time compared to users of legal substances. The results of my study also suggest that drug users´ experiences of time are intertwined with the social context and social meanings of drug use.

Determination of psychoactive substances (PAS) and/or their metabolites in surface waters is crucial for environmental risk assessment, and disclosure of their enantiomeric fractions (EF) allows discrimination between consumption, direct disposal, and synthesis pathways. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an indirect method by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) based on derivatization using (R)-(−)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl) phenylacetyl chloride as chiral derivatization reagent, for enantiomeric quantification of amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (MAMP), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), norketamine, buphedrone (BPD), butylone, 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC), 3-methylmethcathinone, and quantification of 1-benzylpiperazine and 1-(4-metoxyphenyl)-piperazine. The method allowed to evaluate the occurrence, spatial distribution, and the EF of the target chiral PAS in Portuguese surface waters and in effluents from 2 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). For that, water samples were pre-concentrated by solid phase extraction using OASIS® MCX cartridges, derivatized and further analyzed by GC–MS. Both enantiomers of AMP, (R)-MDMA, (S)-MAMP, and the first eluted enantiomer of BPD (configuration not assigned) were found in surface waters, while effluent samples showed both enantiomers of MDMA, (S)-MAMP, (R)-AMP, and the first eluted enantiomer of BPD and 3,4-DMMC. According to our knowledge, this is the first multiresidue analytical method by CG–MS enrolling cathinones, amphetamines, and piperazines. The presence of illicit synthetic cathinones in Douro River estuary is here reported for the first time, along with other amphetamine derivatives. The potential of the method to monitor consumption of the target PAS was demonstrated.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or psychoactive substances increases the risk of severe, even fatal motor vehicle accidents. The aim of this descriptive study was to present the impact of alcohol and/or psychoactive substances on fatal road traffic accidents (RTAs) during the period 2011–2017. For this purpose, the toxicological investigation reports from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the University of Athens were used. In total, 1,841 (32.2%) of the autopsies conducted by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens over a 7-year period (2011–2017) were victims of fatal RTAs. Blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of alcohol and psychoactive substances. The results were classified according to sex, age, victim (car driver, motorcyclist, pedestrian, or passenger) and the date the accident occurred (day, month and year). In total, 40.7% of the RTA-related fatalities were associated with alcohol consumption, among which 20.3% were car drivers. Of these, 87.3% were male victims. A higher frequency of RTA-related fatalities associated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) >110 mg/dl was encountered in younger compared with older age groups. Psychoactive substances were detected in 348 (18.9%) of the victims (cannabis in 46.6% of these, benzodiazepines in 25.9%, opiates in 16.4% and cocaine in 11.1% of these). The percentage of the RTA-related victims that had consumed alcohol in combination with other psychoactive substances was 4.5%. On the whole, the findings of this study suggest that alcohol and psychoactive substances are probably risk factors for RTA-related fatalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of 12 psychotropic drugs and metabolites in hair was developed and validated. After freeze grinding with methanol, the supernatant was determined by LC-MS/MS using an Allure PFPPropyl column (100 × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate with 0.1% formic acid, and in the subsequent analysis using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, two ion transitions were monitored for each analyte. The limits of detection ranged from 0.002 to 0.05 ng/mg, and the limits of quantitation were in the range of 0.005-0.1 ng/mg. Good linearity (r > 0.995) was observed for all analytes over the linear range. Acceptable intraday and interday precision (RSD ≤ 20%) and accuracy (85.3%-112.9%) were achieved. This method of detection was applied to the analysis of guinea pig hair roots after a single dose of quetiapine. Quetiapine and 7-hydroxyquetiapine were both detected in guinea pig hair roots from 5 min post administration. The concentration of quetiapine (10.3-1733.8 ng/mg) was much higher than that of 7-hydroxyquetiapine (0.1-40.6 ng/mg) in the hair roots of guinea pigs, and higher concentrations of quetiapine and 7-hydroxyquetiapine occurred in black hair root than in that of white and brown. The animal experiment demonstrated that hair roots may be a good specimen for proving acute quetiapine poisoning when other biological matrices are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, the debate on the use of psychedelics in psychotherapeutic settings has intensified, attracting a lot of interest and attention from the scholarly community as well as from clinicians and paving the way for new therapeutic paradigms. Besides classical addictions and addictive behaviors, there exist forms of addictions, the so-called new addictions or behavioral addictions, whose characterization is not linked so much to substances but to widespread and socially accepted activities such as games, shopping, internet use, sex, love relationships, work and exercises, physical activities or sports. Among the various addictions, the gambling disorder is the first form of behavioral addictions officially recognized by the DSM-V, in accordance with a wealth of neurobiological and clinical data showing the activation in patients of the gratification systems (especially dopamine). Orthos, as intensive residential intervention program envisaging a non-moralistic approach to gambling, can be combined with the administration of psilocybin, a substance characterized by a very low potential for abuse, modulating brain areas and networks affected by addictive behaviors. Therefore, our proposal would be to start treating behavioral addictions combining psilocybin administration with existential-humanistic psychotherapy, like Orthos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]