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BackgroundThe Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is the most widely used questionnaire to screen for problematic Internet use. Nevertheless, its factorial structure is still debated, which complicates comparisons among existing studies. Most previous studies were performed with students or community samples despite the probability of there being more problematic Internet use among users of specific applications, such as online gaming or gambling. ObjectiveTo assess the factorial structure of a modified version of the IAT that addresses specific applications, such as video games and online poker. MethodsTwo adult samples—one sample of Internet gamers (n=920) and one sample of online poker players (n=214)—were recruited and completed an online version of the modified IAT. Both samples were split into two subsamples. Two principal component analyses (PCAs) followed by two confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were run separately. ResultsThe results of principal component analysis indicated that a one-factor model fit the data well across both samples. In consideration of the weakness of some IAT items, a 17-item modified version of the IAT was proposed. ConclusionsThis study assessed, for the first time, the factorial structure of a modified version of an Internet-administered IAT on a sample of Internet gamers and a sample of online poker players. The scale seems appropriate for the assessment of such online behaviors. Further studies on the modified 17-item IAT version are needed.

Key Clinical Message This case study describes the feasibility and safety of psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT) as a home‐based intervention for a patient with throat cancer experiencing significant existential distress. The patient tolerated the intervention well. This case supports the feasibility and safety of PAT for patients with life‐threatening conditions in a home setting. Abstract Psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT), as it is practiced today, merges traditional psychotherapeutic techniques with the use of psychedelics such as LSD, psilocybin, or MDMA with the aim of unlocking deeper insights in patients and treating mental conditions that are resistant to other forms of therapy. The present case study describes the safety of PAT as a home‐based intervention for a patient with throat cancer experiencing significant existential distress. The patient tolerated the intervention well and was asked to report on measures of anxiety, depression, and distress related to his somatic condition. The observations provided by this clinical case report align with previous findings, suggesting that PAT can be safely applied to potentially provide relief from existential distress in patients with life‐threatening conditions. As this is a single‐case study, generalizations should be made cautiously. Moreover, placebo effects, expectancy effects, and the natural course of the disease may influence outcomes. Future research should consider controlled trials to ascertain the efficacy and safety of such interventions in diverse settings.

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This paper critically examines the broader implications of the recent case involving the professional football player, Ivan Toney, who was sanctioned by the English Football Association for gambling-related offences. Gambling and English professional football have many interconnections, underscored by the prominent betting culture within the sport and athletes' distinctive risk factors for pathological behaviours. Common punitive measures for betting-related offences, like complete bans from "all football-related activity", may inadvertently exacerbate extant vulnerabilities, particularly in cases where gambling disorder has been noted as a mitigating circumstance. Accordingly, this article recommends holistic approaches to such incidents, emphasising the need to balance applicable punishments with the provision of sufficient mental health support informed by current evidence. Moreover, a wider reconsideration of the potentially harmful intersections between gambling and English professional football may be necessary, involving proactive initiatives to expand prevention schemes, increase psychoeducation, and reduce mental health stigma in football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the importance of separating the debates on regulating psychotropic substances for therapeutic use and legalizing them for non-therapeutic use. The two domains differ significantly in decision-making processes, with therapeutic use being based on scientific evidence and non-therapeutic use being influenced by political, social, and economic considerations. Blurring the boundaries between these two spheres can lead to problems such as de-scientification in therapy development and the medicalization of recreational use. The article argues for the recognition of the consumption of psychedelics as a civil right and the need for regulation rather than medicalization. [Extracted from the article]