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La Maida N, Di Giorgi A, Pichini S, Pellegrini M, Di Trana A, Elmo MG, Polselli GM, Casella P, Di Stefano A, Ducci G. Comprehensive Monitoring of Psychoactive Substances in Psychiatric Patients Using Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry: A Key Tool for Treatment Planning and Understanding Consumption Patterns in Rome, Italy. Ther Drug Monit 2024; 46:203-209. [PMID: 38018870 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000001163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The comprehensive monitoring of licit and illicit drug consumption plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of patient conditions and designing effective treatment strategies. In this study, the prevalence of psychoactive prescription drugs, classical illicit drugs, and new psychoactive substances (NPS) were objectively assessed in individuals diagnosed with drug-related psychiatric disorders or episodes. METHODS Blood, urine, and hair samples were collected from psychiatric patients admitted to the Mental Health Department and Drug Addiction Service of the North Rome Local Health Authority with declared or suspected psychoactive drug use. Comprehensive drug screening was conducted for all samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. RESULTS A total of 71 blood and urine and 50 hair samples were analyzed to confirm the suitability of the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry method for the study purposes. The main substances found in blood and urine were antipsychotics (71.8% and 66.2%) and benzodiazepines (62.0% and 59.2%), respectively, whereas cocaine (84.0%) and antipsychotics (74.0%) was more evident in hair. Z-drugs were detected in blood (7.0%), urine (5.6%), and hair (24%) samples; amphetamines were mainly detected in hair samples (14.0%). Synthetic cathinones were the most frequently detected NPS in hair specimens (8.0%), whereas synthetic cannabinoids were mainly found in blood samples (11.3%). These analyses showed that patients were polydrug users (77.5% detected in blood and urine, and 94.0% in hair). CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive screening enabled the assessment of past, recent, and actual consumption of psychoactive substances, including licit and illicit drugs and NPS, by psychiatric patients. A thorough understanding of substance consumption patterns can enhance therapeutic interventions and management of psychiatric disorders associated with psychoactive substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia La Maida
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Giorgi
- Department of Excellence of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Pellegrini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppa Elmo
- Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1-Servizio Psichiatrico di Diagnosi e Cura (SPDC), San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Polselli
- Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1-Servizio Psichiatrico di Diagnosi e Cura (SPDC), San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1-Servizio Psichiatrico di Diagnosi e Cura (SPDC), S. Spirito Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Casella
- Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1-Drug Dipendence and Addiction Unit, Rome, Italy; and
| | - Adele Di Stefano
- Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1-Mental Health and Drug Dipendence Unit in prison, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ducci
- Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1-Servizio Psichiatrico di Diagnosi e Cura (SPDC), San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Berardelli I, Aguglia A, Amerio A, Sarubbi S, Rogante E, Trocchia MA, Zelletta D, Longhini L, Erbuto D, Pastorino F, Lamis DA, Innamorati M, Serafini G, Pompili M. Characterization of Psychiatric Inpatients: The Role of Gender Differences in Clinical and Pharmacological Patterns. J Psychiatr Pract 2024; 30:2-12. [PMID: 38227722 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe mental disorders that require hospitalization are disabling conditions that contribute to the burden of mental diseases. They pose increased clinical challenges and highlight the need to thoroughly explore variables emerging from daily clinical practice. In this study, we assessed to what extent gender differences may characterize a large population of psychiatric inpatients. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2 Italian teaching medical centers, which included 2358 patients who were consecutively admitted to the psychiatric emergency units. We explored and characterized gender differences for variables such as prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis, presence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, age at onset of psychiatric illness, presence of substance or alcohol abuse, length of stay, number of hospitalizations, presence of involuntary admission, type of discharge from the hospital, and pharmacological treatment at discharge. RESULTS Female patients were primarily diagnosed with bipolar disorder or personality disorders. Female patients had a significantly higher prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts (23.1% vs. 16.5%, P<0.001) and a longer length of hospitalization (11.43±10.73 d vs. 10.52±10.37 d, t=-2.099, gl=2356, P=0.036) compared with male patients. Male patients had more involuntary admissions (25.1% vs. 19.7%, χ2=9.616, gl=1, P=0.002), more use of illicit substances (34.1% vs. 20.9%, χ2=51.084, gl=1, P<0.001), and higher rates of alcohol abuse (21.3% vs. 14.7%, χ2=17.182, gl=1, P<0.001) compared with female patients. Finally, antidepressants and lithium were prescribed more frequently to the female patients, whereas other mood stabilizers were more often prescribed to the male patients. CONCLUSIONS Our real-world results highlighted gender differences among patients with severe mental disorders admitted to psychiatric units, and suggest further investigations that may help in understanding trajectories accompanying disabling clinical conditions.
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Ellilä V, Levola J, Denissoff A, Partanen M, Niemelä S. Psychotic-Like Experiences and Concurrent Substance Use Among People Who Use New Psychoactive Substances. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1606-1614. [PMID: 37482647 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2236212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a group of substances that mimic established drugs, e.g., cannabinoids, stimulants, and opioids. NPS use has been associated with psychotic-like experiences, but current research is limited. This study focused on NPS use and psychotic-like experiences in persons attending substance use services in South-West Finland. The primary aim was to evaluate if NPS use associates with psychotic-like experiences, and if the association is independent of comorbid psychotic illness. As a secondary aim, this study evaluated concurrent substance use among people who use NPS. The study was based on a voluntary and anonymous survey administered on-site for people attending substance use services. The survey was conducted in 17 substance use service centers in South-West Finland in 2019, totaling 219 respondents. Information on substance use, service use due to psychotic episodes, and comorbid psychotic illness was collected. A validated PROD questionnaire was used for information on psychotic-like experiences. In all, 17% of 219 participants (n = 38) reported NPS use. After adjustments with comorbid psychotic illness, age, and gender, NPS use associated with PROD-screen positivity, i.e., reporting at least three psychotic-like symptoms. NPS use also associated with service use due to substance-induced psychotic episodes, and extensive use of several substances. In this study, NPS use associated with psychotic-like experiences independently of comorbid psychotic illness. However, as NPS use is also associated with heavy use of several substances, this study implicates concurrent substance use as a confounding factor when studying NPS use, which should be considered in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venla Ellilä
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jonna Levola
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUS Brain Centre, Psychiatry, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexander Denissoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Addiction Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Solja Niemelä
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Addiction Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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Aguglia A, Natale A, Fusar-Poli L, Amerio A, Bruno E, Placenti V, Vai E, Costanza A, Serafini G, Aguglia E, Amore M. Bipolar Disorder and Polysubstance Use Disorder: Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:913965. [PMID: 35782426 PMCID: PMC9242092 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.913965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) often show comorbidity with substance use disorder (SUD) with a negative impact on clinical course, prognosis, and functioning. The role of polysubstance use disorder (polySUD) is understudied. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with BD and comorbid SUD, focusing on polySUD, in order to phenotype this specific group of patients and implement adequate treatment and prevention strategies. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 556 patients with a primary diagnosis of BD (376 without SUD, 101 with SUD, and 79 with polySUD). A semi-structured interview was administered to collect sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics, and pharmacological treatment. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare the three groups. Significantly different variables were then inserted in multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Patients affected by BD and polySUD were younger, and more frequently males and single, than patients with SUD or without SUD. Indeed, the prevalence of patients affected by BD and polySUD living in residential facilities was higher than in the other groups. Moreover, earlier age at onset, higher prevalence of psychotic and residual symptoms, involuntary hospitalization, and a family history of psychiatric disorders were associated with polySUD in patients suffering from BD. Lastly, patients with BD and polySUD were more likely to take four or more medications, particularly benzodiazepines and other drugs. At the multinomial regression, younger age, male gender, early age at onset, psychotic and residual symptoms, positive family history of psychiatric disorders, and use of benzodiazepines remained significantly associated with polySUD in patients with BD. CONCLUSION Our findings show a specific profile of patients with BD and polySUD. It is important to conduct research on this topic in order to adopt specific therapeutic strategies, minimize the use of polypharmacy, and aim at full remission and mood stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aguglia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antimo Natale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Bruno
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Placenti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vai
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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Fusar-Poli L, Amerio A, Cimpoesu P, Grimaldi Filioli P, Natale A, Zappa G, Aguglia E, Amore M, Serafini G, Aguglia A. Gender Differences in Complete Blood Count and Inflammatory Ratios among Patients with Bipolar Disorder. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11030363. [PMID: 33809378 PMCID: PMC8000131 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence suggested that inflammation may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BD), a chronic psychiatric condition affecting around 2–3% of the general population. However, little is known regarding potential gender differences in peripheral biomarkers of BD, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) ratios. Methods: In total, 197 females and 174 males with BD in different phases (i.e., (hypo)mania, depression, euthymia) were recruited. A blood sample was drawn to perform a complete blood count (CBC). NLR, PLR, and MLR were subsequently calculated, and differences were computed according to the illness phase and gender. Results: PLR was consistently higher in (hypo)manic than depressed patients, in both males and females. No significant gender differences in PLR value were found when considering only (hypo)mania. Conversely, NLR was increased in (hypo)mania only among males, and gender differences were retrieved in the (hypo)manic subgroup. The findings related to MLR were only marginally significant. Higher platelets values were associated with (hypo)mania only in the female group. Basophils and eosinophils appeared gender- but not state-dependent. Conclusions: Our findings provide further evidence that increased PLR levels may be associated with (hypo)mania in bipolar patients, regardless of gender. Moreover, the usefulness of NLR as a peripheral biomarker of BD appeared limited to males while the role of platelets to females. As CBC represents a low-cost and easily accessible test, researchers should investigate in-depth its potential usefulness as a biomarker of BD and other psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fusar-Poli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.F.-P.); (A.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02110, USA
| | - Patriciu Cimpoesu
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Grimaldi Filioli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antimo Natale
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.F.-P.); (A.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Guendalina Zappa
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.F.-P.); (A.N.); (E.A.)
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (P.C.); (P.G.F.); (G.Z.); (M.A.); (G.S.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Corazza O, Coloccini S, Marrinan S, Vigar M, Watkins C, Zene C, Negri A, Aresti A, Darke S, Rinaldi R, Metastasio A, Bersani G. Novel Psychoactive Substances in Custodial Settings: A Mixed Method Investigation on the Experiences of People in Prison and Professionals Working With Them. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:460. [PMID: 32528329 PMCID: PMC7264108 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), especially Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs), pose a substantial challenge to health and the security of the prison environment. This study analyses the phenomenon from the perspective of people in prison and that of professionals working with them. METHODS A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to analyze self-reported experiences with 'Spice' (NPS) among users in prison. A semi-structured questionnaire was also disseminated among professionals working in these settings to better understand (a) the impact of NPS on their work; (b) perceived issues on safety in their working environment; (c) approaches used to tackle the phenomenon and best practices. RESULTS Psychotic events resulting from the collected Spice accounts (5) were marked by hallucinations, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. Other emerging elements included fear, paranoia, inability to be with others, mistrust, breakdown and other risky behaviors. Overall, 186 responses from prison staff were collected across the country. 67% claimed NPS to have had a deep impact on their work as they commonly witnessed espisodes involving outbursts of anger, slurred speech, hallucinations, psychosis, and significant mental deterioration among those in prison. Some 91% have witnessed aggression at least once, with 53% experiencing direct harm. Suggested interventions included enhanced training and education (84%), improved detection (92%) and treatment and support services (93%). CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the urgent need for joint multi-disciplinary efforts to tackle the exponential escalation of NPS in prisons as well as to facilitate the recovery and societal reintegration of those affected. Phenomenology can be recommended as a valuable methods to study drug induced experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Corazza
- Centre for Clinical & Health Research Services, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Coloccini
- Centre for Clinical & Health Research Services, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Shanna Marrinan
- Centre for Clinical & Health Research Services, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Vigar
- G4S Care and Justice Services, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Caryl Watkins
- G4S Care and Justice Services, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Cosimo Zene
- School of History, Religions and Philosophies, University of London (SOAS), London, United Kingdom
| | - Attilio Negri
- Centre for Clinical & Health Research Services, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andreas Aresti
- History, Sociology and Criminology, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sacha Darke
- History, Sociology and Criminology, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaella Rinaldi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences Departmental Section of Legal Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Metastasio
- Centre for Clinical & Health Research Services, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Camden and Islington NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Bersani
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Martinotti G, Negri A, Schiavone S, Montemitro C, Vannini C, Baroni G, Pettorruso M, De Giorgio F, Giorgetti R, Verrastro V, Trabace L, Garcia A, Castro I, Iglesias Lopez J, Merino Del Villar C, Schifano F, di Giannantonio M. Club Drugs: Psychotropic Effects and Psychopathological Characteristics of a Sample of Inpatients. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:879. [PMID: 33110412 PMCID: PMC7488956 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence supports the possibility of significant psychiatric consequences related to novel and traditional psychoactive substance consumption. The problem of differential diagnosis has hampered research on specific psychopathologies with unclear outcomes. The aim of our study was to report psychiatric and clinical features of subjects admitted to a psychiatric ward in Ibiza, Spain, with a clinical diagnosis of substance abuse or intoxication. METHODS A survey was administered to a sample of inpatients hospitalized due to psychiatric symptoms related to recent use of psychoactive substances. The questionnaire investigated sociodemographic factors, familiar and personal anamnesis, substance use habits, general and psychopathological features. Urine samples were collected and analyzed in a toxicology laboratory using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. RESULTS A total of 110 patients were included in the study. Most patients (70%) declared multiple substance use, and 33% of patients reported more than two substances; nevertheless, it was possible to identify 17 (15%) depressor users, 44 (40%) stimulant users and 49 (45%) psychodysleptics users. A positive association with a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder was found (two-tailed Fisher's exact test: p = 0.013). Psychomotor agitation, reference, and paranoid delusions, affective symptoms, consciousness disorders, and aggressiveness represented some of the most frequent symptoms at entry evaluation. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we described the acute psychiatric presentations related to recreational drug use in subjects on holiday in Ibiza. The use of psychoactive substances was characterized by poly-use of both traditional and novel substances, with several psychopathological consequences. Future research should focus on a better understanding of the psychopathological effects of specific substances, defining signs and symptoms to help make a differential diagnosis and prospectively examine long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University G.d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Attilio Negri
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Chiara Montemitro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University G.d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Chiara Vannini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University G.d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gaia Baroni
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University G.d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University G.d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Fabio De Giorgio
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence SBSP, University "Politecnica delle Marche" of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valeria Verrastro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Clinical Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, Clinical Sciences, University G.d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Orsolini L, Chiappini S, Corkery JM, Guirguis A, Papanti D, Schifano F. The use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in young people and their role in mental health care: a systematic review. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:1253-1264. [PMID: 31503507 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1666712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Over the past 10 years, a large number of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) have entered the recreational drug scenario. NPS intake has been associated with health-related risks, and especially so for vulnerable populations such as the youngsters. Currently, most knowledge on the NPS health effects is learnt from both a range of users' reports, made available through the psychonauts' web fora, and from the few published, related toxicity, clinical observations.Areas covered: This paper aims at providing an overview of NPS effects on youngsters' mental health, whilst performing a systematic review of the current related knowledge.Expert opinion: NPS consumption poses serious health risks, due to both a range of unpredictable clinical pharmacological properties and the typical concomitant use of other psychoactive molecules; overall, this can lead to near misses and fatalities. In comparison with adults, the central nervous system of children/adolescents may be more vulnerable to the activity of these molecules, hence raising even further the levels of health-related concerns. More research is needed to provide evidence of both short- and long-term effects of NPS, related health risks, and their addiction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Orsolini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Neomesia Mental Health, Villa Jolanda Hospital, Jesi, Italy.,Polyedra, Teramo, Italy
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - John M Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales
| | - Duccio Papanti
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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9
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Synthetic Cannabinoid use in a Case Series of Patients with Psychosis Presenting to Acute Psychiatric Settings: Clinical Presentation and Management Issues. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8070133. [PMID: 30011896 PMCID: PMC6071094 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8070133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are a heterogeneous class of synthetic molecules including synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs). Psychosis is associated with SCRAs use. There is limited knowledge regarding the structured assessment and psychometric evaluation of clinical presentations, analytical toxicology and clinical management plans of patients presenting with psychosis and SCRAs misuse. Methods: We gathered information regarding the clinical presentations, toxicology and care plans of patients with psychosis and SCRAs misuse admitted to inpatients services. Clinical presentations were assessed using the PANSS scale. Vital signs data were collected using the National Early Warning Signs tool. Analytic chemistry data were collected using urine drug screening tests for traditional psychoactive substances and NPS. Results: We described the clinical presentation and management plan of four patients with psychosis and misuse of SCRAs. Conclusion: The formulation of an informed clinical management plan requires a structured assessment, identification of the index NPS, pharmacological interventions, increases in nursing observations, changes to leave status and monitoring of the vital signs. The objective from using these interventions is to maintain stable physical health whilst rapidly improving the altered mental state.
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10
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De Berardis D, Rapini G, Olivieri L, Di Nicola D, Tomasetti C, Valchera A, Fornaro M, Di Fabio F, Perna G, Di Nicola M, Serafini G, Carano A, Pompili M, Vellante F, Orsolini L, Martinotti G, Di Giannantonio M. Safety of antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia: a focus on the adverse effects of clozapine. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2018; 9:237-256. [PMID: 29796248 PMCID: PMC5956953 DOI: 10.1177/2042098618756261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clozapine, a dibenzodiazepine developed in 1961, is a multireceptorial atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of resistant schizophrenia. Since its introduction, it has remained the drug of choice in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, despite a wide range of adverse effects, as it is a very effective drug in everyday clinical practice. However, clozapine is not considered as a top-of-the-line treatment because it may often be difficult for some patients to tolerate as some adverse effects can be particularly bothersome (i.e. sedation, weight gain, sialorrhea etc.) and it has some other potentially dangerous and life-threatening side effects (i.e. myocarditis, seizures, agranulocytosis or granulocytopenia, gastrointestinal hypomotility etc.). As poor treatment adherence in patients with resistant schizophrenia may increase the risk of a psychotic relapse, which may further lead to impaired social and cognitive functioning, psychiatric hospitalizations and increased treatment costs, clozapine adverse effects are a common reason for discontinuing this medication. Therefore, every effort should be made to monitor and minimize these adverse effects in order to improve their early detection and management. The aim of this paper is to briefly summarize and provide an update on major clozapine adverse effects, especially focusing on those that are severe and potentially life threatening, even if most of the latter are relatively uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Berardis
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, p.zza Italia 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Rapini
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | - Luigi Olivieri
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Nicola
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, ‘G. Mazzini’ Hospital, Teramo, Italy
| | - Carmine Tomasetti
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, School of Medicine ‘Federico II’ Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valchera
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Villa S. Giuseppe Hospital, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, School of Medicine ‘Federico II’ Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabio Di Fabio
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, FoRiPsi, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa San Benedetto Menni, Albese con Cassano, Como, Italy Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Leonard Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Marco Di Nicola
- Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Carano
- National Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital ‘Madonna Del Soccorso’, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Vellante
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Polyedra Research Group, Teramo, Italy Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, Chair of Psychiatry, University ‘G. D’Annunzio’, Chieti, Italy
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11
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Deng H, Mohite S, Suchting R, Nielsen DA, Okusaga OO. Impact of synthetic cannabinoid use on hospital stay in patients with bipolar disorder versus schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders. Psychiatry Res 2018; 261:248-252. [PMID: 29329043 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.12.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid products have become popular and have led to an increased number of patients presenting to emergency departments and psychiatric hospitals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of synthetic cannabinoid use at admission on length of stay and doses of antipsychotics at discharge in individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. We retrospectively examined medical records of 324 inpatients admitted from January 2014 to July 2015. We found that synthetic cannabinoid use predicted length of stay and antipsychotic dose using structural equation modeling. Further, the association of synthetic cannabinoid use with length of stay was partly mediated by antipsychotic dose. These associations were independent of specific diagnosis. In conclusion, patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders who reported synthetic cannabinoid use at admission had shorter length of stay and received lower doses of antipsychotics, irrespective of clinical diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqiong Deng
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
| | - Satyajit Mohite
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert Suchting
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David A Nielsen
- The Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Olaoluwa O Okusaga
- Harris County Psychiatric Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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