Selective mutism - an overview of the condition and etiology: is the absence of speech just the tip of the iceberg? / Mutyzm wybiórczy ­ opis zaburzenia i etiologia: czy wybiórczy brak mowy jest zaledwie wierzcholkiem góry lodowej?

The inability to speak in certain situations, as one may briefly characterize selective mutism (SM), according to the most recent classifications (DSM-5, ICD-11) belongs to the anxiety disorder spectrum. The onset of mutism in early childhood may impair further development and adversely affect educational achievements. It is essential that psychiatrists, as well as other physicians, speech therapists, nurses and teachers are familiar with this disorder, since the early start of treatment is associated with better prognosis. This literature review aims to present the contemporary view of this relatively rare psychopathological syndrome. In light of most recent studies on the etiology of SM, the sole symptom of mutism appears to represent an underlying heterogenic group of disorders. Based on the developmental psychopathology, the interrelations between overlapping abnormalities favor SM manifestation in some crucial moment in an individual's life. The etiologic complexity strongly suggests multimodal approach in the diagnostic and treatment process, which has been postulated by many authors.

Designer drugs ­ still a threat?

INTRODUCTION: In Poland, an increasing number of psychoactive substances are becoming prohibited by law as psychotropic or narcotic substances, or as new psychoactive substances (NPSs). Owing to the enormous technological possibilities offered by today's science, synthesis of new derivatives of prohibited compounds is no longer a problem. The moment a dangerous substance is outlawed, new designer drugs (in Poland known as 'dopalacze') appear on the market. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: An amendment to the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction issued in July 2018 made it possible for the NPS to be considered drugs by law. Synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone derivatives make up the majority of NPSs identified by the authorities in Poland. Synthetic cannabinoids which can, unlike cannabinoid receptor agonists of plant origin, cause death by somatic toxicity, are particularly dangerous. The ability to quickly recognize poisoning with synthetic opioids is crucial, since an antidote reversing the depressive effect of opioids on the respiratory center can be administered. SUMMARY: This work collects the most important and up-to-date information on designer drugs, based on reports and articles published between 2015 and 2019. The covered aspects include: the current definition of designer drugs in relation to the Polish law, their exact division due to the clinical effects they cause and the description of the threats they pose. Emphasis was given to the current situation of the designer drug market in Poland.

Letter to Editor. The importance of anxiety component in the etiopathogenesis of selective mutism, classified as an "anxiety and fear-related disorder" in the upcoming 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Substantive comments. Comment on the article The controversy around the diagnosis of selective mutism - a critical analysis of three cases in the light of modern research and diagnostic criteria by Justyna Holka-Pokorska et al. / List do redakcji. Znaczenie skladowej lekowej w etiopatogenezie mutyzmu wybiórczego, klasyfikowanego jako "zaburzenie lekowe i zwiazane ze strachem", w planowanej do wdrozenia 11. wersji Miedzynarodowej Klasyfikacji Chorób ICD. Uwagi merytoryczne. Komentarz do artykulu Justyny Holki-Pokorskiej i wsp. Kontrowersje wokól diagnozy mutyzmu wybiórczego ­ krytyczna analiza trzech przypadków w swietle wspólczesnych badan oraz kryteriów diagnostycznych.

no summary.

In search of optimal psychoactivation: stimulants as cognitive performance enhancers.

An increasing number of people, students in particular, seek substances that improve their cognitive functioning. The most popular group of pharmacological cognitive enhancers (PCEs) are stimulants. Available studies suggest a small beneficial effect of methylphenidate and amphetamine on memory, executive functions, and processing speed. However small, this effect can make the difference between success and failure. In recent years, research has focused on the additional beneficial effect on the emotional state, increased motivation, and placebo-induced cognitive enhancement. This paper briefly reviews the latest and most important research on the relationship between popular stimulants and cognitive enhancement. One cannot understand this relationship without understanding the Yerkes-Dodson law, which explains the relationship between the degree of arousal and performance. It suggests that the effect of stimulants is a dose-dependent continuum. This law has repeatedly been confirmed by studies in which an optimal level of psychoactivation for cognitive enhancement was obtained with low stimulant doses, whereas exceeding the effective dose resulted in cognitive deficits, psychomotor agitation, and addiction. A separate section has been devoted to modafinil, an increasingly popular stimulant that differs from the rest in neurochemical profile and behavioural effects.